The Michigan Lottery Continued Support of Excellence in Education - Play Michigan Lottery
excellence in education

The Michigan Lottery‘s ongoing support for education has recognized another distinguished educator’s outstanding track record. The newest Excellence in Education award recipient is an Ingham County educator known for her caring and engaging classroom environment.

The recipient, Denise Schaffer, is an elementary school teacher who has dedicated the past 18 years of her career to the Holt Public School district. The Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education award comes with a plaque and a $1,500 cash award to be used as teachers see fit. 

Additionally, the award recipients get a $500 grant for their classroom, school, or district. The Educator of the Year awards the recipient a $10,000 cash incentive each year.

Passion for Learning

Schaffer stated that her desire to help children develop a solid foundation for their lives spurred her to enter education. She mentioned that she had made a mid-life choice to enter the teaching profession since she loved providing children with a foundation they could use to build everything else in their lives. This desire continues to motivate her endeavors after nearly two decades.

The variety of subjects in her classroom, from Ancient Egypt to Dinosaurs, has led to Schaffer exploring the most creative ways to deliver content in the classroom. This wonderful classroom environment motivated one of Schaffer’s family members to nominate her for the award.

The nominator stated that Schaffer’s 18-year career as an elementary school teacher has gone above and beyond expectations. Her compassionate and ward approach to students of all levels has been a mainstay throughout her career. 

Schaffer works diligently to help students think, engage, and work together to build a close-knit classroom community. She goes the extra mile to challenge her pupils by using every tool at her disposal: trips to the zoo, Michigan history, geology, or age-appropriate materials. 

Schaffer has been more than a teacher to kids; she has been a true friend, according to statements from those who work with her. She graduated from Albion College with a bachelor’s degree. She has been at her current post for 18 years.

Recognizing Educators

The Excellence in Education award recognizes public school teachers exhibiting traits such as dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness in the classroom. Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator for the weekly award. Winners are featured on local stations such as WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX17 in Grand Rapids, FOX47 in Lansing, and WNEM-TV in Saginaw.

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