'Teacher Of The Month' – Mr. Crabtree Wins Lottery Honor

Furry Elementary Intervention Specialist Drew Crabtree has hit the lottery. The Ohio Lottery announced this week that Mr. Crabtree has been selected as one of its three Teachers of the Month for the state of Ohio.

While the award does not come with a bazillion-dollar jackpot, it does come with a $500 gift card, an Ohio Lottery prize pack, and a certificate of excellence. And, it recognizes that Mr. Crabtree has earned the regard of not only his students but his colleagues, as well.

“He makes me proud to be a paraprofessional in his classroom,” wrote Kim Taylor in her nomination submission to the Ohio Lottery. Ms. Taylor has worked with Mr. Crabtree during the past two years that he has taught at Furry. 

“He reaches these kids in ways I haven’t seen in the 10 years that I have been in several different special needs classrooms,” she continued. “Children thrive from his teaching.”

Crabtree has been an intervention specialist at Furry since the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, and started his teaching career the prior school year as a long-term substitute. 

Christine Guss, Student Services Coordinator for Perkins Local Schools, said she and the rest of the staff and administration are proud of Mr. Crabtree’s accomplishments.

“Drew is a fabulous young teacher who has established strong relationships with both his students and their families,” Mrs. Guss said. “His passion for the education of our students with special needs is unwavering. Drew works hard to create a caring and nurturing environment in his classroom for all students while fostering growth both academically and socially.”

Principal Eric Kaman agreed.

“Mr. Crabtree is more than deserving of any positive recognition he receives,” Mr. Kaman said. “He is an example of what it means to ‘do the work’ every day with the students and staff.  Mr. Crabtree's efforts are appreciated and make a difference for the entire Furry Team.”

Mr. Crabtree graduated from Bowling Green State University in December 2021 and Perkins High School in 2017. He also is an assistant wrestling coach at PHS and a coach for the Briar Middle School football team.

And, education is in his blood. He is the son of PHS teacher Travis Crabtree and Briar Middle School 7th and 8th Language Arts teacher Nicole Crabtree.

Each month, the Ohio Lottery recognizes three teachers in the state of Ohio. Teachers are nominated by administrators, colleagues, students, and parents. Teachers are selected as winners based on their excellence in the classroom, motivation, dedication, and creativity and imagination. 
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Click here to nominate a teacher