A Clinton County educator known for fostering positive relationships between students and staff has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.

The award winner, Stephanie Bowerson, is a high school English teacher at DeWitt High School. The school is part of DeWitt Public Schools.

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.

Winners of the weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Each winner also is featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, and WWTV-TV in Traverse City. The news segment featuring Bowerson will air this evening.

“It was an honor to meet Stephanie Bowerson and recognize her for the important work she is doing at DeWitt High School,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli. “It is more important than ever to provide students with a safe space to learn and grow, and Stephanie’s work on the Positive School Culture team does just that. Her work undoubtedly has had a positive impact on countless students in the DeWitt community.”

Bowerson says her second grade teacher motivated her to pursue a career in education.

“When I was in second grade, my teacher, Mrs. Moelter, made me feel amazing. She told me that I was smart. She celebrated me as an individual and made me feel important. I asked my parents to buy me a chalkboard and I used my Beanie Babies as students. From there, I always wanted to be a teacher who made students feel seen, important, and smart.”

Bowerson says she is motivated by the growth she witnesses in her students.

“Each year I get to meet new kids who I believe are going to change the world. I love watching them grow and express their ideas about the future. There is so much hope when you listen to them. I have encountered my students years after they have graduated, and they still have memories of things we talked about in class or activities we did. When they bring up those memories, it warms my heart! I love seeing where they end up and what they do with their lives. It’s a very rewarding experience.”

Bowerson was nominated for the award by a colleague.

“Mrs. Bowerson is a phenomenal English teacher who helps students of all ability levels succeed in her class. Not only does she excel at using engaging teaching strategies, but she also does an excellent job developing relationships with students. She provides a welcome space for students even during her planning and lunch periods. On top of her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Bowerson oversees the DeWitt High School Positive School Culture team, which is made up of teachers and s, with the mission of providing ive and fun programs for students such as Wellness Day and Student Appreciation Day. Mrs. Bowerson goes above and beyond to make these meaningful events a reality for students. She is a leader on this committee and also among her colleagues where she demonstrates day in and day out her love and care for the wellbeing of students and staff at DHS. Mrs. Bowerson is a teacher who makes a lasting difference in the lives of students.”

Bowerson earned a bachelor’s degree from Park University and a master’s degree from Western Governors University. She has worked in education for 10 years, the last three in her current position.

Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Excellence – Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement.
• Dedication – They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed.
• Inspiration – Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally.
• Leadership – They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their school or school districts.
• Effectiveness – The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or school district.