Jill Hoort Honored as Ray H. Lawson Award Recipient
The Michigan Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) has selected Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) Literacy Consultant Jill Hoort as the 2026-27 recipient of the Ray H. Lawson Award.
Named in honor of beloved educator and past MCTE leader Ray Lawson, this award recognizes an individual whose distinguished career exemplifies lifelong dedication to English language arts instruction, mentorship, and advocacy. Hoort’s career in the classroom and her leadership with the Red Cedar Writing Project at Michigan State University, exemplify the criteria of the Lawson Award. She has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, leader, researcher, and collaborator through her many years in education.
Hoort has been a teacher, coach, and consultant for 26 years at the elementary level in Grand Ledge, Okemos, East Lansing, and Eaton County. She currently serves as the literacy consultant at Eaton RESA. In 2015, she became the elementary co-director of the Red Cedar Writing Project, and in 2017, she took over leadership of Spartan Writing Camp after a decade of teaching camp. Central to all of the work she does is her belief that literacy is a basic human right.
In their letters of support for Hoort’s nomination, colleagues cited her “commitment to teachers and students, no matter their level, age group, languages, backgrounds” as a defining characteristic in Hoort’s approach to teaching. Her expertise is frequently sought out by teachers and administrators from all roles. “She is respected by colleagues and trusted by the educators she supports, not just because of what she knows, but because of how she shows up.”
Hoort was honored to learn that she would be recognized this year. “This recognition represents not only individual achievement but also the collective work of the many educators, students, and communities I have had the privilege to learn from and alongside over the last 26 years. I remain committed to advancing literacy education in Michigan with integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner.”
MCTE is proud to honor Hoort with the Lawson Award for her commitment to education, her spirit of collaboration, and her advocacy for literacy for all. She will serve as the Ray Lawson Award honoree for the current school year and will be celebrated at the spring conference of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English in March 2027.
