Pioneer High Teacher Wins Excellence in Education Award

Sean Sabo recognized for his dedication to developing students' writing and critical thinking skills

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Sean Sabo, an advanced placement English and acting teacher at Pioneer High School, has been named the latest winner of the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award. Sabo was nominated by a parent who praised his commitment to providing extensive feedback to students and motivating them to meet high standards through his passion for literature and writing.

Why it matters

The Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award highlights exceptional teachers who are making a difference in their students' lives. Sabo's recognition underscores the importance of educators who challenge students academically while also fostering their love of learning.

The details

Sabo has been teaching for over two decades, focusing on developing his students' writing and critical thinking skills. He carefully selects the books, speeches, poems, and essays that make up his curriculum to expose students to a wide range of voices and styles. Sabo provides extensive feedback to his students, grading 13 essays per student and writing a paragraph of comments on each one. He also requires students to present original work to the class each quarter, offering detailed notes to help them improve.

  • Sean Sabo was named the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award winner on February 3, 2026.

The players

Sean Sabo

An advanced placement English and acting teacher at Pioneer High School with over two decades of experience. He is known for his dedication to developing his students' writing and critical thinking skills through a challenging curriculum and extensive feedback.

Pioneer High School

The high school where Sean Sabo teaches advanced placement English and acting courses.

Michigan Lottery

The organization that sponsors the Excellence in Education award to recognize exceptional teachers in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Sean Sabo has been an incredibly successful teacher for more than two decades, focusing on developing students writing and critical thinking skills. He built his classes around books, speeches, poems, and essays that he chose himself, making sure to expose students to a wide range of voices and styles.”

— Parent of a student (FOX 47 News)

“I've always loved stories whether books, plays, or movies; I've also always loved engaging people in discussions of 'big' topics, which I would do regularly as a teen and young adult. I started out wanting to be a professor but stopped at a master's degree when I discovered how focused the field was on theory rather than teaching. I got certified to teach with the hope of sharing my love for books and writing with students.”

— Sean Sabo, Teacher (FOX 47 News)

What’s next

Sean Sabo will be recognized at a special ceremony hosted by the Michigan Lottery to celebrate his achievement.

The takeaway

Sean Sabo's dedication to challenging his students academically while also fostering their love of literature and writing has earned him well-deserved recognition. His commitment to providing extensive feedback and motivating students to meet high standards is an inspiration for educators across Michigan.