Partners in Education FAQs

What is the purpose of the program?
The Ohio Lottery Partners in Education program is dedicated to recognizing the exceptional efforts of K-12 students, teachers and schools across Ohio for their contributions to their school, excellence in the classroom, leadership, innovation, community involvement and dedication.

New for the 2023-2024 School Year, each month three Academic All-Stars and three Teachers of the Month will be recognized. 

We are now accepting nominations for School of the Year for K-12 schools that are implementing and developing student’s literacy skills to achieve success in reading.

How does the program work?
Academic All-Star and Teacher of the Month nominations will be accepted from September 1-May 10; each month three Academic All-Stars and three Teachers of the Month will be recognized. 

School of the Year nominations will be accepted from September 1-March 10; one school will be recognized as the School of the Year.

Who can nominate a student, teacher or school?
Nominations may be submitted by but not limited to principals, faculty, coaches, staff, students and parents.

What are the QUALIFICATIONS of an Academic All-Star?
To be eligible for an Academic All-Star Award, a student should demonstrate one of 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.

What are the QUALIFICATIONS for a Teacher of the Month?
To be eligible for a Teacher of the Month Award, a teacher should demonstrate one of 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 for School of the Year?
To be eligible for the School of the Year Award, a school should demonstrate one of the following:

• A school with innovative approaches to improving literacy.
• A school with a faculty or a staff member who promotes literacy and enhances students’ reading skills.
• A school that has shown a commitment to building a successful reading curriculum and fosters a love of reading for students.
• A school that demonstrates excellence, success and impacts a student's growth in literacy.
• A school that exhibits an outstanding commitment to reading development.
• A school that is making strides in reading proficiency.

How do I nominate a student, teacher or school?
It’s fast and it’s free!  To submit your nomination, complete the online nomination form and hit “Submit”.

Watch this video to learn how to nominate:
  When are nominations due?

Academic All-Star & Teacher of the Month Drawing Schedule

Drawings	Award Month	Nomination Period	Winners 3 Teachers, 3 Students
Draw #1	Sept. Winners	09/01/23 - 10/10/23	6
Draw #2	Oct. Winners	10/11/23 - 11/10/23	6
Draw #3	Nov. Winners	11/11/23 - 12/10/23	6
Draw #4	Dec. Winners	12/11/23 - 01/10/24	6
Draw #5	Jan. Winners	01/11/24 - 02/10/24	6
Draw #6	Feb. Winners	02/11/24 - 03/10/24	6
Draw #7	Mar. Winners	03/11/24 - 04/10/24	6
Draw #8	Apr. Winners	04/11/24 - 05/10/24	6

School of the Year Drawing Schedule

Drawing	Nomination Period	Winners
Draw #1	09/01/23 - 03/10/24	1

When do Academic All-Star and Teacher of the Month drawings take place?
The drawings will be conducted on (or around) the 15^th each month, October - May.

When does the School of the Year drawing take place?
The drawing will be conducted on (or around) the 15^th of March.

How will winners be notified?
The school principal will be notified after the drawings take place. The school principal and/or Partners in Education Coordinator will reach out the winners.  

​What do winners receive?
Academic All-Star winners will be awarded with:

• A $100 gift card.
• A certificate of excellence.
• Ohio Lottery Partners in Education prize pack.
• Recognition on the Ohio Lottery’s website and social channels

Teacher of the Month winners will be awarded with:

• A $500 gift card.
• A certificate of excellence.
• Ohio Lottery Partners in Education prize pack.
• Recognition on the Ohio Lottery’s website and social channels

School of the Year winner will be awarded with:

• A $2,500 gift card.
• A certificate of excellence.
• Ohio Lottery Partners in Education prize pack.
• Recognition on the Ohio Lottery’s website and social channels

Who can I contact for more information on the Partners in Education program?
Email [email protected], or call Molly Fanta, Program Coordinator, at 216-774-5739.