Heather LaMarra, an ESL teacher at Weston Elementary in Lapeer County, has been recognized with the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education award.
LaMarra, who teaches English as a Second Language at Imlay City Schools, is known for creating a welcoming environment for her students. The award honors outstanding public-school educators across Michigan.
Each weekly winner receives $2,000. At the end of the school year, one will be named Educator of the Year and receive $10,000. Winners are also featured on news segments aired by Lottery media partners including WXYZ-TV Detroit and FOX stations in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and other cities. LaMarra’s feature will air this evening.
Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli praised LaMarra’s dedication. “Her work with multilingual learners helps create a safe and welcoming classroom. Her passion for education and seeing those ‘lightbulb moments’ is inspiring,” Shkreli said.
LaMarra shared that her career began in social work, helping children in residential treatment and foster care. After moving to Las Vegas, she shifted to teaching ESL, drawn by the challenge and reward of working with young multilingual students.
“When you teach English learners, you get to see special moments and build lasting bonds. Many students return to thank me, which means a lot,” she said.
Nominated by a family member, LaMarra teaches about 90 kindergarten through second-grade students. “She makes new students feel comfortable and helps them adjust to American schools,” the nomination said.
LaMarra holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and master’s degrees from Nova Southeastern University and the University of Phoenix. She has been teaching for 22 years, including 10 years at Weston Elementary.
