Great Lakes Wire

Amanda Lewis, a third-grade teacher at Sault Area Elementary School in Chippewa County, has received the Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery. The award was presented by Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

The Michigan Lottery launched the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to honor public-school educators across Michigan during the school year. Each weekly winner receives a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of these winners will be chosen as Educator of the Year and receive an additional $10,000.

Winners are also featured in news segments on several media partner stations throughout Michigan. The segment featuring Amanda Lewis is scheduled to air this evening.

“Ms. Lewis exemplifies what it means to teach with heart. Her classroom is not only a place of learning but also a space filled with joy, creativity, and kindness,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “Her compassion shines through in the way she encourages her students to think of others and in her constant collaboration with colleagues to ensure every child succeeds.”

Lewis shared that her motivation for teaching began early in life. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was fortunate to have some truly amazing teachers. Their classrooms were places where curiosity was encouraged, mistakes were part of the journey, and every success was celebrated. The impact those teachers had on me stayed with me. They didn’t just teach lessons from a book; they taught lessons about confidence, kindness, and perseverance. Teaching, for me, is about paying forward the encouragement and belief that changed my life.”

A colleague nominated Lewis for the award and described her commitment: “Amanda is an outstanding third-grade teacher in our district who goes above and beyond for her students every single day. She arrives early each morning to ensure her classroom is thoughtfully prepared and ready for learning. Her room is organized, welcoming, and filled with engaging, meaningful activities that make learning both fun and memorable. It’s clear that her students absolutely adore her.

One of the many things that makes Amanda special is the way she teaches kindness and empathy. She encourages her students to think of others by doing thoughtful acts, such as sending kind notes or small tokens of appreciation to former teachers and staff. Amanda also collaborates closely with colleagues to find creative and effective ways to support students who may be struggling, ensuring that every child feels valued and capable of success.”

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University and has spent 10 years working as an educator—eight years at Sault Area Elementary School.

Nominees for the Excellence In Education award are evaluated based on their excellence in advancing academic achievement; dedication beyond expectations; ability to inspire others; leadership skills; and effectiveness demonstrated through positive results within their schools or districts.