Lottery Chair Susanna Shkreli (left) presents Dawn Little (right) with an Excellence in Education check.
A Monroe County educator known for approaching each day with kindness and enthusiasm has received the Michigan Lottery's Excellence in Teaching Award.
The winner, Dawn Little, is a teacher in the elementary school resource room at Kita Elementary School. This school is part of the Jefferson School District.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education Award in 2014 to recognize outstanding public school educators in the state during the school year.
The weekly award winner will 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 Little will air tonight.
“As soon as I met Dawn, I could feel the enthusiasm and energy she brings to the classroom every day,” Lottery Commissioner Susanna Shkreli said. “As I listen to her talk about the classroom, I can tell that she has a deep connection with each of her students. Her passion for her career drives her to be a great educator, and she He is the most deserving of this recognition.”
Ms. Little said her former teachers and classmates motivated her to pursue a career in education.
“I was the kind of kid who played school at home. In first grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I had a classmate with Down syndrome, and he was in my class all through elementary school. It was fun working with him, and I wanted to do a job that would make me this happy every day.In the third grade, instead of going to recess, I went to the early childhood special needs classroom and volunteered. Some days I just play during center time or help with snacks. I had some great teachers throughout my schooling and they inspired me to become a teacher, so I feel that the students also feel that way about me. I was able to make them feel the same way I made them feel.”
According to Little, no two days are the same.
“We don't just teach academics. We deal with social and emotional situations every day, build confidence, listen to student problems and concerns, and overcome non-academic situations.” We spend most of our day with these children, and they are more than just students to us. No two days are the same.”
Little was nominated for the award by a student's parent.
“MS. Little is the perfect example of an elementary school teacher. The kindness and enthusiasm she shows to her students is one of the many reasons she has made a difference in my child's education. Ms. Little is a resource room teacher. As a teacher, I deal with challenges that not all teachers have to face. My child has an IEP and is more dependent on the teacher than other children. Mr. Little is my son's teacher. She is a vital part of our education and we are so thankful for her. It takes a special teacher to work with students with learning disabilities and she is amazing. This year's 4th grade open house I remember her bright, friendly smile making us feel welcome as we walked through the school. Ms. Little changed our lives and we are very grateful to her. I am.”
Little earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has been working in the field of education for 10 years, 5 of which have been in her 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.
