Oakland County educator earns Excellence in Education award
Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli (right), presents Antoneta Gjolaj with her Excellence in Education check.
An Oakland County educator who goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues has been honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Antoneta Gjolaj, is a math and reading interventionist at Graham Elementary. The school is part of the Avondale School District.
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.
Global background
“Mrs. Gjolaj is known as a leader in her school because of her commitment to her students and colleagues,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli
“Her lifelong appreciation for education is evident – from being a young student in Montenegro, to pursuing a college education in Kosovo during the crisis, to now teaching students here in Michigan, Mrs. Gjolaj understands the power and importance of a quality education.
“She is someone students trust and can turn to when they are struggling or need help.”
“Being raised in a family of teachers and being surrounded by great teachers all my life ignited my passion and dream of becoming a teacher from a young age,” Gjolaj said.
“There is nothing more rewarding than working with our youth and being able to leave an impact on someone’s life. Knowing that you made a difference is the biggest achievement on a professional and personal level.”
Gjolaj was nominated for the award by a colleague.
‘Hands-on, passionate teacher’
“Mrs. Gjolaj is the most passionate, hands-on, and positive teacher I have ever come across,” the nomination states. “The Avondale School district is lucky to have her. She is always going above and beyond for her kids to enhance students experience in the school.
“Not only do the students get excited for her class, but she’s one of those teachers that students know they can go to when they are struggling. She is consistently trying to better herself as a teacher and never has an off day.”
Gjolaj earned a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University and a master’s degree from Cornerstone University.
She has been an educator for 23 years, the last six in her current position.
