Heather LaMarra, an English as a second language teacher at Weston Elementary School, has been named this week’s Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education winner.
LaMarra, who has dedicated over 20 years to teaching, received a $2,000 check from Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli as part of the award. The Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Michigan Lottery, aim to recognize outstanding educators across the state.
“Heather’s been teaching for over 20 years and has always been committed to students and their success,” said her nominator.
LaMarra works with children aged four to nine, focusing on developing their English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Despite the language barrier, as she does not speak any of the eight languages present in her school fluently, she uses pictures and videos to aid her teaching.“
Some of them move from another country, and I’m the first person they see, so I just want to be that safe person for them,” LaMarra explained, highlighting her role as a supportive figure for her students.
The Michigan Lottery has contributed over $29 billion to public education since 1972, with the Excellence in Education Awards being one of the initiatives to support educators.
LaMarra’s dedication to her students and her innovative approach to overcoming language barriers exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Excellence in Education Awards.