Students, parents, and school staff, it is time to nominate outstanding public-school teachers and employees for the 2021-22 Michigan Lottery’s “Excellence in Education awards.” The awards are for employees that go “above and beyond” their regular duties to make a difference in children’s lives. Therefore, if you know someone who deserves recognition go to http://bit.ly/ExcellenceInEducation and submit your nomination.
Excellence in Education Awards
The Excellence in Education awards were started in 2014 by the Michigan Lottery. The awards are as follows:
- First, one person will be selected weekly and they will receive a $1,500 cash prize. In additon, there is a $500 grant provided to either their classroom, school district or school.
- Next, one of the winners of the weekly awards will be honored to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award. This person will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
- Finally, all of the winners will be featured on partner news stations and receive plaques. The partner stations will include FOX 17 of Grand Rapids, WXYZ-TV of Detroit, WNEM-TV of Saginaw and FOX 47 in Lansing.
Michigan Lottery Education of the Year Award Recipients
The 2021 Education of the Year award went to Janice Smith, a social worker at Fisher Magnet Lower Academy School. The school is in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. She was chosen out of over 800 nominations and was one of the 34 weekly awards winners.
| AWARD YEAR | AWARD WINNER | POSITION | SCHOOL DISTRICT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Megan Sidge | Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher | Hickory Woods Elementary of the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools |
| 2019 | Stewart Kieliszewski | Earth Science, Media, Biology, and Mechatronics, Teacher | Ubly Community Schools |
| 2018 | Kerri Moccio | Literacy Intervention Specialist | Bedford Elementary School |
| 2017 | Linda Holzwarth | Social Studies Teacher | Portage West Middle School |
| 2016 | Daniel Carr | Sports Marketing and Spanish Teacher | Waverly High School |
| 2015 | Michael Craig | Special Education Teacher | Charles Drew Transition Center |
The Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following criteria: First, is EXCELLENCE. This person consistently helps their schools and students advance to higher levels of achievement. Secondly, is DEDICATION. The nominee consistently strives above and beyond to help their students succeed. The third is INSPIRATION. The person’s work inspires others to exceed academic or professional expectations. Next is LEADERSHIP. For example, they show distinct leadership skills in their job within the school or district. Finally, EFFECTIVENESS is evaluated to determine that the person has clear positive results on students’ educational advancements within the school or district.
In conclusion, if you know someone that meets these criteria nominate them for the Michigan Lottery’s 2021-22 Excellence in Education award.