Ypsilanti educator earns Lottery’s Excellence In Education award
Lottery Spokesman, Jake Harris, presents Michelle Cox (right) with her Excellence in Education check.
A Washtenaw County educator who has made a profound impact on her students, their families, and the entire school community has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Michelle Cox, is a Title I teacher and coordinator at Brick Elementary School. The school is part of Lincoln Consolidated Schools in Ypsilanti.
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.
She excels at STEM initiatives
“STEM education is extremely important because it fosters crucial skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and real-world application,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.
“Michelle Cox has excelled in building STEM initiatives, which has positively impacted her school in countless ways. Her dedication to her students and school exemplifies what it means to be an excellent educator.”
Cox said a teacher she had in high school inspired her to become an educator.
“I was attracted to education because of a teacher I had in high school who made real connections with his students. He changed my school experience because he made me feel seen and heard, and I wanted to be able to do that for someone else.”
Cox was nominated for the award by a student and his parents.
Dedication to students exemplary
“Michelle’s dedication to her students, families, and the entire school community is exemplary and makes a profound impact on the educational experience at Brick Elementary,” the nomination formed stated. “As a Title I teacher, Michelle plays a crucial role in supporting students from low-income backgrounds, helping them meet academic standards and fostering a love for learning.
“Her commitment extends far beyond her classroom; she serves as the Family Support Coordinator, ensuring that families are engaged and empowered to support their children’s education. This includes collecting and distributing backpacks, coats, other winter gear, food pantry items, and after school support for Brick families in need.”
Helped secure special designation
Cox was instrumental in securing National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) Certification, making Brick the only school in Michigan to hold this prestigious national STEM designation.
The NISE certification includes hosting a STEM Career Day, and Cox helped bring over 50 professionals to Brick, including an exciting helicopter landing, which left a lasting impression on students and sparked their curiosity about various STEM careers.
This accomplishment not only enhances the school’s reputation but also provides students with unparalleled opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has been an educator for 23 years, the last eight in her current position.
