CANTON - Despina Vonortas is a 1st grade teacher at Middle Branch Elementary located in Stark County. She was recently named a Teacher of the Month for the month of November by the Ohio Lottery. She represents the Akron-Canton area.

Vonortas fosters a love of learning in her classroom. She is able to make a mark on the youth of today with her positive and encouraging disposition. She builds a solid foundation in her students that they carry with them as they proceed into other grades. She is able to teach students to read using various teaching methods. Her love of teaching illuminates onto her students and they in turn, love to learn and be learners.

For being recognized as a Teacher of the Month, Vonortas will receive four tickets to a Cleveland Browns’ game, recognition at the event, merchandise from the team and an assortment of Partners in Education merchandise from the Ohio Lottery.

The Ohio Lottery will continue to recognize Academic All Stars and Teachers of the Month throughout the school year. For more information about the program and for nomination forms, go to the Academic All Star links on this web site's home page.