The Michigan Lottery bestowed its Excellence In Education scholarship award last week. This time, it chose a teacher from Ingham County who has earned a reputation for being committed to her profession and an asset to her co-workers. Kathryn Kluzak, a teacher at Robert L. Green Elementary School belonging to East Lansing Public Schools, was declared the award winner.
Kluzak’s interest in education was sparked by a volunteering experience during her high school years. A colleague nominated her, highlighting her passion for helping students and eagerness to support the development of student teachers’ and colleagues’ development.
The latest award winner fell into teaching from a young age. She previously volunteered at her former high school and was able to draw support from her former educators and family members to follow her passion. She admits that she still loves to watch students “learn and grow” and that her goal is to give them “meaningful learning opportunities” that they can carry throughout their lives.
The unidentified colleague, who was once a student of Kulzak, said that she is a valuable member of the school community and has worn many hats over the years. She previously served as a special education teacher and has also provided tutoring services to three student teachers. Kluzak recently transitioned to the role of a kindergarten teacher.
Kluzak’s expertise is immeasurable, as she established a laboratory for her pupils amid COVID-19. She also dedicated her summer to guiding special education instructors in their initial year of teaching while simultaneously preparing herself for the move to kindergarten.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s from Saint Joseph’s University, Kluzak continued her education by receiving a K-12 administration certification. She has been a teacher for the past nine years, of which seven have been in the Lansing Public School system.
Excellence In Education Program
Instituted in 2014, the Excellence In Education program aims to acknowledge exceptional public school teachers across the state during the academic year.
Every week, recipients of the weekly prizes will be presented with a $1,500 cheque, a commemorative plaque and a $500 allowance for educational purposes in their classroom, school, or school district.
Additionally, a Teacher of the Year will be chosen among the weekly honorees and presented with a monetary reward of $10,000.
