By Kurt Perron
Kurt Perron is the new teacher at the Newberry Alternative School.
I have been substitute teaching in the Eastern Upper Peninsula for about five years now and have taught at most of the schools in our region. I was hired as the new teacher at the Newberry Alternative School near the end of last school year, in May 2025, where I worked under the previous teacher, Amy Gustafson. I then began this year, in June, as the new full-time teacher.
Previously, I worked as a local police officer for about 24 years—first in Brimley, and then with the Kinross Police Department for the past five years. I also most recently served as a contract background investigator for the federal government. After working part-time as a substitute teacher over the past few years, I grew to love the job and decided to transition out of law enforcement and into teaching.
After graduating from Brimley High School, I joined the United States Navy but was injured during training and received an honorable medical discharge. I then returned home and worked my way through college, eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Lake Superior State University. I also earned a Master’s Degree in Economics. In July 2025, I tested for and earned my Michigan Temporary Teacher Certification, and I am now licensed to teach Secondary Social Studies—including American and World History, Politics and Government, Economics, and Geography. I have recently been accepted into a post-graduate Education Specialist program and plan to work toward earning my Michigan School Administrator Certification over the next year.
I was born and raised here in the EUP and currently live in Brimley, where my wife and I raised our three children. My hobbies include spending time with my family, reading (history, philosophy, economics, war poetry), boxing, playing bass in a local band, and exercising and lifting weights. My passion is serving people through politics and public policy.
The Newberry Alternative School Meet the new teacher at Newberry Alternative School, a former police officer turned educator. Learn about their unique background and passion for teaching.is open to any student from freshman age through 19. We currently have over 20 registered students, and our enrollment changes regularly as students transfer in or out for various reasons. Classes run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students receive hourly breaks and a half-hour lunch. We also provide food and facilities for students to cook their own meals. Additionally, our paraprofessional teacher, Sandy Edie, often prepares special meals for the students—Taco Day is a class favorite. We strive to keep the day both fun and productive, offering special events, class trips, and guest activities or presentations each week.
The students at Newberry Alternative are all great kids, and I feel truly honored to work with them and help them obtain an education and earn their diplomas. I hope to get to know the community and parents better as we work together to provide their children with the best educational experience possible. My door is always open to anyone with questions or concerns about me, the school, or our program offerings.
