WEXFORD COUNTY, Mich. – A Wexford County teacher won the 2026 Educator of the Year award and a $10,000 prize from the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence In Education program.
“Congratulations to Brandon Bailey for well-deserved recognition as the Michigan Lottery’s Educator of the Year,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m so grateful to educators like Brandon who help prepare Michigan students for success.”
Recommended Videos
Winner, Brandon Bailey, teaches fifth-grade math and science at Forest View Elementary.
The school is part of the Cadillac Area Public Schools.
“It’s truly an honor to be named the 2026 Educator of the Year. I’m a firm believer that if students know you care, then they will put in the work” said Bailey.
Bailey has worked in education for 21 years.
He has worked in his current position for eight years.
The nomination for the ward came from a former student and their family.
Bailey says the reward of passing his love of learning on to students inspired him to pursue a career in education.
The educator has a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.
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 plaque and a $2,000 cash prize.
Each year, one of the weekly winners is selected as the Educator of the Year and receives a $10,000 prize.
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.