The winner, Lee Bonner, is a high school history teacher in the Novi Community 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 Bonner will air tonight.
Bonner said her desire to have a positive impact on children drew her to a career in education.
“My goal has always been to have a positive impact on the students I work with. I have been fortunate to have several teachers who have had a positive impact on my life, and on my students as well. I hope to do the same.”
Building relationships with students is one of Bonner's favorite things to do as an educator.
“I really enjoy getting to know my students as people. By talking to them and building relationships with them, I am able to provide them with the guidance they need and create an open environment in which learning can take place.”
Mr. Bonner was nominated for the award by his colleagues.
“Lee rarely receives recognition for his accomplishments because he works well with students who have difficulties and teaches children who have difficulties. Lee is a student with special needs. He makes a huge difference in the lives of the children he takes care of. He frequently makes difficult calls to parents and guardians, continually reaches out to help those in need, and offers opportunities for credit recovery, Co-D classes, or special He works tirelessly to ensure that his students graduate through personalized support and guidance. There are many children who walk across the graduation stage for him each year. Without Lee, their… Life would have been even more difficult. He is a caring, dedicated, and invested advocate for those who need our help the most. He is committed to our student community and their They are indispensable for the future!”
Bonner earned a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He has been in the education industry for his 23 years, all of which have been 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.
