Shoe Club Nation non-profit boosts middle-schoolers’ self value

Shoe Club Nation, a nonprofit organization founded by Michigan educator Matt Hamilton, is launching a search for “Educator All-Stars” to help expand the program to middle schools across Michigan.

Hamilton, who recently received the National Education Association Foundation’s 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence, created the Shoe Club 17 years ago in East Jordan, Michigan, following two tragic student deaths that deeply affected the community.

Hamilton wanted to provide a sense of hope and a vision for the future for local middle school students. Since then, the Shoe Club has grown into a powerful educational initiative that inspires students to recognize their inherent value and potential.

“Our mantra is simple,” says Hamilton. “We believe that every student is born with a unique and irreducible value, and that value never changes — it’s just our perception of it that does. When students feel valuable, they act valuable, and their choices and outcomes change dramatically.”

‘Dream Big, Set Goals’

The Shoe Club encourages students to “Dream Big, Set Goals, Work Hard, and Give Back.”

Through a variety of community projects — from small random acts of kindness to large-scale initiatives such as installing solar panels on the school and honoring local veterans — the club has made a lasting impact on both students and the community.

“Mr. Hamilton and the Shoe Club have transformed students’ lives and enriched their community,” said Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi. “The prospect of more Shoe Clubs growing across Michigan is one of the most exciting new things happening in education.”

With the success of the East Jordan club as a proof of concept, Shoe Club Nation is now focused on expanding the program to middle schools throughout the state.

Seeking Michigan educators to develop local Shoe Clubs

To support this effort, the organization is seeking passionate educators to lead the first new clubs, where they will test and develop the program for wider implementation.

“We know there are passionate teachers out there who can bring their energy, experience, and ideas to Shoe Club Nation,” says Hamilton. “We’re looking for Educator All-Stars to help make this a vibrant and successful adventure.”

Michigan educators interested in applying for the Educator All-Star positions are encouraged to visit shoeclubnation.org and submit an application by July 15.