Liane envisions creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and supported.

Liane Ross is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Michigan–Dearborn, with concentrations in pre-K through sixth-grade education. In 2023, she earned her associate’s degree in pre-elementary education from Henry Ford College. Liane returned to school after a 21-year hiatus as she raised her two children — now 25 and 17. Liane’s path to graduation was nontraditional, but she is driven by her purpose to help others grow. She returned with a deeper understanding of what it means to support others in becoming their best selves.

Liane’s return to school followed fifteen years of experience in business management and leadership in the workplace. Whether as a store manager or director of human resources, Liane found her greatest satisfaction in cultivating others’ potential. These professional experiences developed her skills in team leadership, project management, and working with diverse populations.

She now carries her passion for helping others into the classroom. Since 2023, Liane has worked as a K–12 substitute teacher across seven school districts, an experience that has strengthened her calling to teach and offered daily reminders of the power of encouragement, patience, and trust. Liane’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a growth mindset in students through hands-on learning experiences.

Despite the challenges of balancing academic, parenting, and professional obligations, Liane has earned a spot on the Dean’s List each year. She was also recently inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society at UM-Dearborn. At Henry Ford College, she served as President of the Future Teachers Association, where she led community initiatives that brought joy and connection to young readers and aspiring educators alike.

Set to graduate in May 2026, Liane envisions creating inclusive classrooms where all students feel valued and supported. Her goal is to build bridges between schools and communities, ensuring that every child has the support system needed to thrive both academically and personally.

CEW+ honors Liane’s courage to begin again and names her a Molly H. Dobson Scholar.