Lottery Chair Susannah Shkreli (left) presents David Smith (right) with an Excellence in Education check.
A Kalamazoo County educator known for incorporating life lessons into her classroom and her commitment to helping struggling students has received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Michigan Lottery.
Winner David Smith is a creative writing teacher at Vicksburg High School. This school is part of Vicksburg Community Schools.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education Award in 2014 to recognize outstanding public school educators in the state during the school year.
Weekly award winners receive a cash prize of $2,000. At the end of the school year, one of her weekly award winners will be selected as the Lottery's Educator of the Year and receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Each winner will also be featured in news segments on the Lottery's media partner stations: WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw and WWTV-TV in Traverse City. A news segment featuring Smith will air tonight.
“During his more than 25-year career, David Smith has had a positive impact on many students,” said Lottery Commissioner Susanna Shkreli. “He is a listening person and an adult who knows that his students can come to their aid when they need it, both inside and outside of school. He focuses on finding positivity in school and in life. He taught the students that if you are positive, the people around you will be positive too.”
Smith said finding ways to engage with students can help build connections and create a better learning environment.
“I want my students to feel comfortable in my class and laugh with me. As their comfort level increases, so does their desire to learn and grow. I always have an open door, so… They know they can come in and talk.”
Ms. Smith was nominated for the award by her students.
“Mr. Smith is a great teacher who genuinely cares about his students. He finds ways to incorporate life lessons into his lessons and considers it his responsibility to help students who are having trouble in class or in life.” He takes time out of his day to sit down and talk with his students to make sure our opinions are heard.Personally, he is my biggest supporter of writing. Of all the teachers I've had, if there's anyone who deserves this award, it's because of their determination, positive attitude, and commitment to their work. Mr. Smith for his love and passion for the children in his class, all of which he will call his own.”
Smith earned a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. He has been in the education industry for his 27 years, the last 14 years in his current position.
Candidates for the Excellence in Education award will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Excellence – Their efforts consistently help students, schools, and districts advance to higher academic levels.
- Dedication – They consistently exceed expectations and help students succeed.
- Inspiration – Their work inspires those around them to go beyond academic or professional expectations.
- Leadership – Demonstrates demonstrable leadership skills in a position with a school or district.
- Effectiveness – The candidate's research has clear and positive consequences for the educational progress of students within the school or district.
