Kathryn Kluzak has been chosen as the 2023 Educator of the Year award winner, receiving a $10,000 prize from the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence In Education Program. The winner is a kindergarten teacher at Robert L. Green Elementary, part of East Lansing Public Schools. Kluzak has taught at her current position for seven years and has been an educator for nine years.
Kluzak first decided to pursue a career in education after a volunteer opportunity in high school.
“When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer in my former elementary school. I always enjoyed working with younger students.”
She also said she was fortunate to have many teachers and family members who helped shape her love of education and wanted to share that through becoming an educator.
Kluzak was nominated for the award by her colleague at Robert L. Green Elementary, Madison Brosky, who cited her dedication to her students and willingness to help student teachers and her colleagues succeed.
“I am so blessed to have Kathryn as my team teacher because she is so knowledgeable and has taught me so much in our time together,” said Brosky.
The Excellence In Education Award was established by the Michigan Lottery in 2014 to recognize outstanding K-12 educators throughout the state during the school year. Weekly award winners receive a plaque, $1,500 in cash, and a $500 grant to their classroom or school district. Winners are also featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s TV partner stations across the state.
Now in the ninth year of the Excellence In Education program during the 2022-23 school year, hundreds of educators were nominated. Of these, 34 have received the weekly award.
Nominees for the Excellence in Education award are considered for the weekly award on the following standards:
Excellence – Helping students and/or the school district advance their academic achievement.
Dedication – Going above and beyond to help their students succeed.
Inspiration – Inspiring others to exceed academic or professional expectations.
Leadership – They must demonstrate clear leadership skills in their current role with their school district.
Effectiveness – Their work positively affects the educational advancement of students in the school district.
