DCSD educators nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Awards
Diane Purvis, third grade teacher at Brockington Elementary Magnet School, and Taylor Seale, fifth grade teacher at Spaulding Elementary School, have been nominated for the 2015-2016 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
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.
Purvis was nominated by community member Shadaris Bradley. Seale was nominated by colleague Amanda Bass.
Purvis not only teaches students what they need to learn, but she supports them on a personal level as well. For example, there have been students who have challenging home lives. She goes beyond her teaching duties to help these students, whether it is by providing Christmas wishes or everyday items.
“She is the type of teacher that reaches out to all of her students on a personal level,” said Bradley. “Purvis will arrive early and stays late to help any students who struggle academically.”
Seale is a Teach for America teacher whose students say she is the best teacher. She is well-known for her ability to make school enjoyable for her students while helping them feel important and confident about their work.
“Students appreciate Seale’s ability to make learning fun and challenging at the same time” said Bass.
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 lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.
