LANSING, MI — A Jackson County educator known for going above and beyond to serve each of her students has been honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Kristen Ellsworth, is a special education teacher at Columbia Upper Elementary, which is part of Columbia School District.
Winners of the weekly award receive a plaque, a $1,500 cash prize, and a $500 grant to their classroom, school, or school district. One of the weekly winners will be selected as the Educator of the Year.
Ellsworth said her love of helping others led her to a career in education.
“I have always enjoyed learning and helping others,” said Ellsworth. “When I was younger, I enjoyed working with the younger students and helping them read or do their homework, so I always knew I wanted to go into a career where I was helping others.”
