Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli (left), presenting David Smith (right) with his Excellence in Education check
A Kalamazoo County educator known for incorporating life lessons into class periods and taking responsibility to help any student that is struggling has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, David Smith, is a high school creative writing teacher at Vicksburg High School. The school is part of Vicksburg Community Schools.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.
Winners of the weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Each winner also is featured in a news segment 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. The news segment featuring Smith will air this evening.
“During his 25-plus year career, David Smith has had a positive impact on so many students,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli. “He has been a listening ear and an adult that students know they can come to when they need help in or outside of school. His focus on finding positivity in school and in life has shown his students that when you are positive those around you will be too.”
Smith says finding ways to relate to his students helps build connections and makes a better learning environment.
“I like to make the students feel comfortable in my class and laugh with them. As their comfort level rises, so does their willingness to learn and grow. I always have my door open, and they know they can come in and talk.”
Smith was nominated for the award by a student.
“Mr. Smith is an outstanding teacher that truly cares about his students. He finds ways to incorporate life lessons into class periods, and he takes it as his responsibility to help any student that is struggling, with class work or with life. He takes time out of his day to sit and talk with students, just to make us feel heard. Personally, he has been my biggest supporter of my writing and has helped me grow in my writing techniques. Out of all the teachers I have ever had, if anyone deserves this award, it is Mr. Smith for his determination, always positive attitude, and his love and passion for the work he does and the kids he has in class, all of which, he would call his own.”
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. He has worked in education for 27 years, the last 14 in his current position.
Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Excellence – Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement.
- Dedication – They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed.
- Inspiration – Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally.
- Leadership – They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their school or school districts.
- Effectiveness – The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or school district.
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