Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and author. He has extensive teaching experience at a variety of grade levels and currently teaches high school social studies in Manitoba. His second book, A Sage on the Stage: Common Sense Reflections on Teaching and Learning, was released in 2019. As an educator, Michael is a strong proponent of raising academic standards, holding schools accountable for their results and expanding the educational options available to parents. His reports and op-eds have addressed topics such as curriculum reform, teaching methodologies, assessment, and classroom management. His columns promoting common sense education reforms have been published in major daily newspapers including the National Post, The Globe and Mail, the Vancouver Province, the Calgary Herald, the Winnipeg Free Press, and the Chronicle Herald. In the 2013 Canadian Community Newspaper Awards, Michael received second place in the Outstanding Columnist category. In 2014 and 2019, he received the Best Columnist award from the Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. Michael is also a frequent radio and television guest across Canada.