10/28/2026
: Celebrating Joe Macaluso
Elk Rapids Schools is proud to be a regional leader in the Arts, Academics, and Athletics, and The Reason Why is simple: it’s our STAFF!
When an organization has a group of “over-achievers” who never want the credit and consistently go above and beyond for students, staff, and the community, these individuals help create impactful organizational success for all stakeholders for generations.
This week we would like to celebrate, acknowledge, and thank Mr. Joe Macaluso!
Mr. Mac, as his students affectionately call him, has taught middle school social studies at Cherryland Middle School since 2001. He currently teaches World History and US History to 7th and 8th graders. Beyond the classroom, he serves on the district’s K-12 Curriculum Council and Technology Council, and he is enrolled in the regional Future Leaders Academy.
Mr. Macaluso began taking CMS students to the annual Michigan Youth in Government experience in Lansing more than 20 years ago, and he continues to lead this impactful learning opportunity today. He has also been an integral teammate in organizing the 7th grade Camp LOC trip each spring, an experience that focuses on teamwork, communication, personal growth, and learning about our region’s beautiful natural areas.
And as if that weren’t enough, he has served as president of the Elk Rapids Education Association for the past 11 years and is an active member of our district’s K-12 Curriculum Council and Technology Committee.
When asked to describe Mr. Joe Macaluso in one word, students describe him as “bodacious,” “wise,” and “impactful.” Co-workers describe him as “kind, generous, and a mentor who leads with kindness, lifts everyone up.”
Although these words accurately describe his presence at Elk Rapids Schools, for over two decades Mr. Mac has also modeled respect, empathy, an inquisitive spirit, and an innovative mind for all. Thank YOU Mr. Mac!
Stay tuned for more celebrations of the people at ERS who continue to Be The Reason “Why!”
