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.
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 at 12:00 AM - May 10 at 11:59 PM; 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 at 12:00 AM - March 10 at 11:59 PM; 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.
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.
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.
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 | 09/01/24 - 10/10/24 | 6 |
| Draw #2 | Oct. Winners | 10/11/24 - 11/10/24 | 6 |
| Draw #3 | Nov. Winners | 11/11/24 - 12/10/24 | 6 |
| Draw #4 | Dec. Winners | 12/11/24 - 01/10/25 | 6 |
| Draw #5 | Jan. Winners | 01/11/25 - 02/10/25 | 6 |
| Draw #6 | Feb. Winners | 02/11/25 - 03/10/25 | 6 |
| Draw #7 | Mar. Winners | 03/11/25 - 04/10/25 | 6 |
| Draw #8 | Apr. Winners | 04/11/25 - 05/10/25 | 6 |
All nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the 10th of the month, starting in October.
School of the Year Drawing Schedule
| Drawing | Nomination Period | Winners |
| Draw #1 | 09/01/24 - 03/10/25 | 1 |
When do Academic All-Star and Teacher of the Month drawings take place?
The drawings will take place within 10 days following the close of the nomination period.
When does the School of the Year drawing take place?
The drawings will take place within 10 days following the close of the nomination period.
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
- 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
- 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
Prize packs for Teacher of the Month winners will be delivered to the school to the attention of the principal, and the principal will award the prize pack in accordance with the rules established by the school district. An adult signature is required upon the receipt of the prize pack.
How will Academic All-Star winners receive their prize pack?
Prize packs will be delivered to the school that the Academic All-Star attends and will be addressed to the attention of the parent. An adult signature is required upon the receipt of the prize pack.
Who can I contact for more information on the Partners in Education program?
Email lot.partners.in.education@lottery.ohio.gov, or call Molly Fanta, Program Coordinator, at 216-774-5739.