Michelle Deesi didn’t take a traditional path into teaching, but once she stepped into the classroom, she found exactly where she belonged.

Named Lake County Schools Teacher of the Year, Michelle has spent 16 years building a classroom centered on connection, confidence and a genuine love of learning. Her interest in education started early, shaped by a childhood filled with books and hands-on learning experiences created by her mother. In college, she initially pursued a degree in communicative disorders before realizing she wanted something different.

“I quickly realized I wanted to be in a full-time classroom environment,” she says.

She spent 10 years teaching second grade, a role she loved, before stepping into third grade midyear when a teacher left unexpectedly. At the time, she was hesitant to move into a testing grade, aware of the added pressure. That quickly changed.

“I never looked back,” she says.

Today, she embraces the transition year that third grade represents, helping students shift from learning to read to reading to learn while introducing more complex concepts in math. The work is demanding, but for Michelle, it’s also where she sees the most growth.

“I have had students start the year saying, ‘I can’t do this,’ and by the end, they are proudly saying, ‘I can do it,’” she says.

Those moments are what keep her grounded. She says teaching is one of the few careers that offers both purpose and connection, where the impact goes both ways. She points to the daily energy of the classroom as something that never gets old.

“I genuinely look forward to coming to school each day,” she says.

Her classroom is built on relationships first. Students support one another, celebrate each other’s progress and step in when a classmate is struggling. Michelle focuses on creating an environment where every child feels valued and encouraged.

“When children feel valued and supported, they begin to believe in themselves,” she says.

That belief carries through even on the most challenging days. She understands the pressure that comes with testing and academic expectations, but keeps her focus on helping students grow and reach their full potential. By building strong relationships and a sense of community, she creates a classroom where students don’t face those challenges alone.

Recognition, she says, was never part of the plan.

“I have always been perfectly happy in my classroom, simply doing what I love every day,” Michelle says.

Being named Teacher of the Year is something she didn’t expect, but it reflects the consistency, care and commitment she brings to her students every day.