Excellence in Education: Michigan Lottery recognizes Freeland STEM teacher

THOMAS TWP, MI — Jessi Koehler, an elementary STEM teacher at Freeland Elementary School and Freeland Learning Center, has received the weekly Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery, earning $2,000 and recognition for her innovative teaching methods.

The award, established by the Michigan Lottery in 2014, recognizes outstanding public school educators across Michigan.

Koehler stands out for her use of dramatic play to teach core concepts, Michigan Lottery officials said. She transforms her classroom into immersive environments such as a post office, veterinarian’s clinic or space station, creating scenarios where students take on roles and explore new ideas through hands-on experiences.

“I grew up in a house where helping and teaching others was just a part of our everyday,” Koehler said in a statement. “Both my parents coached and my mom worked as a paraprofessional, and I was lucky enough to see the impact that they had on others and the community.”

Community members who nominated Koehler praised her approach to fostering curiosity and problem-solving. According to organizers of the nomination, she guides students to think critically and collaborate rather than simply providing answers. Her classroom atmosphere is marked by warmth, patience and creativity.

“Children often come home excited to share not just what they learned, but how much fun they had doing it,” the nomination announcement from Michigan Lottery stated.

Koehler holds a bachelor’s degree from Alma College and a master’s degree from Marygrove College. She has taught for 24 years, spending the last eight in her current position with Freeland Community School District.

As a weekly award winner, Koehler is now eligible for the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award, which carries a $10,000 cash prize and will be selected at the end of the school year.