When dedication, inspiration, and exceptional teaching combine, the result is an outstanding educator like Lindsay Rubin, a high school Marketing teacher at Lakeland High School in Oakland County. Rubin's unwavering commitment to her students has earned her the esteemed Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery, recognizing her as a beacon of excellence in the world of public education.

Honoring Excellence in Education:

In 2014, the Michigan Lottery initiated the Excellence in Education awards, a program designed to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional educators throughout the state. Lindsay Rubin's name now joins the distinguished list of weekly award recipients, with each winner receiving a $2,000 cash prize as a token of appreciation.

As the school year progresses, all weekly awardees have the chance to claim the coveted title of "Educator of the Year". The grand winner, selected at the year's end, will receive a substantial $10,000 cash prize a well-deserved recognition for their exceptional contributions to education.

A Legacy of Education: A Father's Inspiration

Lindsay Rubin's journey into education was not just a career choice; it was a heartfelt legacy passed down from her father. With over 30 years of teaching experience, her father recognized her potential to inspire and guide the future generations.

"My father was a teacher and taught for more than 30 years," Rubin shares.

"When I was growing up, he told me I would make a great teacher, and he was right. I learned so much from him over the years. When I was in high school, I took a Marketing class and fell in love with the topic. I was planning on majoring in Marketing, but one day I realized my true calling was to be a teacher."

A Teacher's Touch: Hands-On Learning

Rubin's teaching philosophy is rooted in engaging her students through hands-on activities. She believes that the best way to learn is by doing. Her students have the opportunity to apply the skills they acquire in the classroom within the school store, offering a real-world, immersive learning experience.

Additionally, Rubin leads the DECA club, providing students with a platform to develop essential business skills, network with peers, and compete. Under her guidance, the DECA chapter at Lakeland High School has flourished, achieving success at regional, state, and national levels

Nominated by Her Father: A Testimonial of Excellence

Lindsay Rubin's dedication to her profession is not only evident in her students' accomplishments but also in the heartfelt nomination she received from her father. He highlights her 20-year tenure at Lakeland High School and her instrumental role in expanding the business program. Rubin has also been instrumental in establishing a thriving DECA chapter, exposing her students to real-world business experiences.

"Her greatest strength, however, is her ability to connect with students in a professional, kind, caring way," her father emphasizes. "She has had students keep in touch well after graduation. She is truly an exceptional and dedicated teacher."

A Lifetime Committed to Education

Rubin's academic journey is as impressive as her teaching career. She holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. For 20 years, she has devoted herself to the field of education, and every one of those years has been spent at Lakeland High School, shaping the futures of countless students.

The Excellence in Education Criteria

The Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award is no small honor, and Rubin embodies the qualities that make her a worthy recipient:

Excellence: Her commitment consistently advances students' academic achievement.

Dedication: She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students' success.

Inspiration: Her work inspires both students and colleagues to exceed expectations academically and professionally.

Leadership: Rubin's clear leadership skills are evident in her role at Lakeland High School.

Effectiveness: Her work yields clear, positive results in advancing students' education within the school.