What is the purpose of the program?
The Partners in Education Teacher of the Month and Academic All Star programs are designed to recognize outstanding teachers and students for their contributions to their school, excellence in the classroom, leadership, innovation, community involvement, and dedication.
How does the program work?
Each month, the Lottery recognizes one teacher and student from each of the Lottery’s nine geographic regions throughout Ohio.
Who can nominate a teacher or student?
Nominations may be submitted by but not limited to principals, faculty, coaches, staff, students, and parents.
What are the QUALIFICATIONS for a Teacher of the Month?
To be eligible for a Teacher of the Month Award, a teacher must demonstrate the following:
- Excellence in the Classroom – Consistently advancing students to higher levels of academic achievement
- Motivation – Encouraging students to exceed their expectations both academically and socially.
- Leadership – Serving as a leader in the classroom and throughout the school.
- Community Service – Demonstrating civic responsibility by being active in community or other service organizations.
- Creativity and Imagination – Demonstrating innovation in lesson plans and teaching methods.
- Dedication – Showing excellent attendance, punctuality and a desire to see students succeed.
- Communication – Articulate, clear, and effective instruction in the classroom and beyond.
What are the QUALIFICATIONS of an Academic All Star?
To be eligible for an Academic All Star Award, a student must demonstrate the following:
- Academics – Academic excellence and/or a dramatic improvement in grades.
- Responsibility – Excellent attendance and punctuality, classroom work and homework completed on time.
- Attitude - Proper behavior, dependable and trustworthy, regardless of supervision.
- Leadership – Active in the school and provide motivation and/or encouragement to others.
- School spirit and pride – Students who demonstrate pride in their school.
- Citizenship – Students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship.
- Extracurricular activity - Students who represent the school and themselves well outside the classroom
- Community service- Students who are active in community service.
How do I nominate a teacher or student? It’s simple, fast and easy! To submit your nomination, complete the online nomination form and hit “Submit”. Watch the How-to- Video below!
When are nominations due?
Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on or before the 10th of the month in order to be included in the program’s drawing for that month.
When do drawings take place?
The drawings take place from September - May.
How will winners be notified?
The school principal will be notified as soon as the winners have been selected. The school principal and/or Partners in Education Coordinator will reach out the winners.
What do winners receive?
Teacher of the Month and Academic All Star recipients will be rewarded with:
- A Certificate of Excellence.
- A $75 VISA gift card.
- Ohio Lottery Partners in Education merchandise.
- Name and information on the Ohio Lottery’s web site.
Who can I contact for more information on your Partners in Education program?
You can email us at
lot.partners.in.education@lottery.ohio.gov, or call Molly Fanta, Program Coordinator, at 216--774-5739.