The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), in collaboration with the DPS Foundation, through its signature fundraiser, celebrated its teachers, administrators, and staff, at the 9th annual Champions of Education: DPSCD Teachers and Leaders of the Year gala held at Mumford High School on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Emceed by FOX 2 anchor/reporter and DPS alum Josh Landon, the gala included a VIP reception, awards ceremony, and dinner. 

“We do the Educator of the Year event to recognize the hard work performed by our teachers and staff each and every day across the District,” said DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti to the audience of nominated teachers, educators, school-based leaders, and support staff. “This is more than a job, more than a paycheck. It’s about passion and belief that our children deserve more than they receive, and you all make that happen.”

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Teacher of the Year to Candice Jackson, currently a third-grade math and science Master teacher at Mann Learning Community on the city’s west side. Read her entire profile story. 
In addition to the 2023 DPSCD Teacher of the Year, awards were presented to DPSCD personnel in the following categories: 

AFSCME Paraprofessional of the Year 
•    Jackie Bivins, Charles R. Drew Transition Center 
DFP Paraprofessional of the Year 
•    Nicole Bills, Bunche Preparatory Academy 
DAEOE Administrative Support of the Year 
•    Lathea Horton, Dossin Elementary-Middle School 
OSAS School-Based Administrator of the Year 
•    Lonell Willams, East English Village Academy at Finney  
Central Office Administrator of the Year 
•    Tyrone E. Winfrey Sr. 
Assistant Principal of the Year 
•    Jameson Smith, Northwestern High School 
Principal of the Year 
•    Tyra Smith-Bell, Pulaski Elementary-Middle School 

DFT Instructional Support Staff of the Year 
•    N’Shan Robinson, Mumford High School 
DPSCD Rookie Teacher of the Year 
•    Natassia Szpaichler, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy  
Partner of the Year 
•    Ballmer Group

“Our annual Champions of Education event is one of the DPS Foundation’s signature fundraisers,” said Beth Correa, Chairman of the DPS Foundation. “It enables us to help fund essential education programming, all of which ensures our shared commitment to preparing our students for college and careers as well as ensuring that families basic needs are met.” 

On behalf of the DPSCD Board of Education, President Angelique Peterson-Mayberry noted the commitment and dedication to the work reflected by the nominees. “Thank you so much for your advocacy and your support,” she said. “Whether you have children in DPSCD or not, you have almost 50,000 children in DPSCD because they are all of our children.”