AKRON, OH, May 02, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael J. Walzer, teacher and coach retired from Akron Public Schools, was selected by Marquis Who's Who for a prominent feature in the Ohio Edition of The Wall Street Journal, published on March 27, 2024.

Long motivated by a deep enthusiasm for education, Mr. Walzer earned distinction as a teacher at Akron Public Schools in Akron, Ohio, where he taught mathematics, science and history to fifth through ninth-grade students for more than three decades, culminating with his retirement in 2006. Throughout his career, which began in 1976, Mr. Walzer consistently stressed the value of extracurricular activities, including sports, in enriching students' education and fostering collaboration. He went on to serve as a prolific sports coach for multiple seasonal activities in addition to his teaching duties, including soccer in the fall, track during the spring and ping-pong in the winter.

Celebrated for his warm presence and empathy for students, Mr. Walzer was affectionately dubbed "Coach Mike" during his 30 years of service at Akron Public Schools. Among his most cherished memories throughout this time, he was most proud to receive a plaque from one of his students on the last day of school in 1983 for being her science teacher and track coach.

Mr. Walzer became involved in his profession as a high school senior. Having distinguished himself as an accomplished athlete in multiple cross country and track competitions, he went on to serve as a tutor at a local Catholic school for third-grade students. Finding that he enjoyed the work immensely, the experience persuaded him to study the subject more extensively at Kent State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1976.

Drawing a genuine sense of joy at his participation in the academic journeys of his students, Mr. Walzer continued to work as a part-time substitute teacher following his retirement in 2006, working for four public school districts and several private schools in Summit County, Ohio, until 2019. A lifelong advocate for education, he looks forward to finishing his teaching career with a final stint as a substitute teacher for another two to three years.

In addition to his work in education, Mr. Walzer has published more than 60 letters in the Akron Beacon Journal between 2007 and 2023 and submitted a number of poems to Eber and Wein Publishers, including "Staking a Claim," "The Many Colors of Vinny Vango" and "Hula Hoopla."

Known for his contributions as a civic-minded citizen, Mr. Walzer has also volunteered extensively in his local community. In addition to his service as a volunteer poll worker for the Summit County Board of Elections since 2016, he has volunteered his time since 2012 to the Mustill Store and Museum, whose exhibits tell the story of Akron's rise from a frontier settlement to an industrial powerhouse. Likewise, he is a volunteer tour guide and speaker on the history of the Erie Canal and a member of the local Akron Hiking Club.

Mr. Walzer attributes much of his success to the values he learned during his upbringing and the tenets of his Catholic faith. He also benefited richly from the tutelage of Richard Averitte, the former principal of Goodyear Junior High School, who served as his role model and influenced him to pursue a career in education. Looking toward the future, Mr. Walzer aspires to spend more quality time with his grandniece and grandnephews. He also hopes to continue writing and publishing his works of poetry.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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