Onsted, MI – A Lenawee County educator known for creating a robust art curriculum for her district has been honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Leeann McMichael, is a K-12 art teacher with Onsted 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 plaque, a $1,500 cash prize, and a $500 grant to their classroom, school, or school district. One of the weekly winners will be selected as the Educator of the Year and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
McMichael says her love of art and being able to share it with others drew her to a career in education.
“I was initially attracted to a career in art education because I loved the idea of being able to not only make art, but to be able to show others how to make it as well. I could never decide on one type of art I liked best; I love them all! This is one reason why I love teaching it, I get to teach all art forms! I love the look on students’ faces when learning clicks and how proud of themselves they are when accomplishing things they never thought they could.”
McMichael says developing hands-on activities are part of what she likes most about teaching art.
“Everything is so hands-on, and that’s one of the reasons why I love it so much. One of my favorite times of year is Homecoming Week, and the Spirit Days that we get to participate in. I am known for my over-the-top costumes for the themed days, and students that aren’t even currently in my class will pop in just to see what I came up with for each theme!”
McMichael earned a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College and master’s degree from Concordia University. She has been an educator for 13 years, the last 10 her current position.
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*photo from the Michigan Lottery Connect website*