Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Spencer was nominated by colleague Candida Price.
Spencer is caring and nurturing and attends to the needs of each individual student. A lifelong learner, Spencer always researches new information and incorporates it in her lessons, sharing tips with colleagues. Spencer excels at building relationships with parents and students and is well-respected in the community.
“She is a bright light at Petersburg Primary School,” says Price. “Spencer always has a smile on her face. She goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. She always shares her knowledge and resources with whomever she comes in contact with – there are no strangers to her.”
Spencer often stays late into the evenings making plans and preparations for the next day. Students enjoy her lessons because she finds ways to connect the material to real-life experiences.
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations. For 2015-2016, a total of 16 winners will be chosen by the selection committee to receive cash awards that are split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony.
Nominees must be full-time school employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:
* A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
* An ability to positively add to the development of the school's atmosphere
* Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
* A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
* A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
* Adherence to high moral and ethical standards
Winners will be announced in spring 2016.
This year, a new prize, called the “LifeChanger Spirit Award,” will be given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his or her nomination. Support can be demonstrated through positive comments on the nominee’s profile page, social media posts, and school and community recognition activities. A resource page with ideas for ways to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.
To view Ms. Spencer’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.