Jan. 13, 2017 -- Karen Willmitch, a third and fifth grade intervention specialist at Roxboro Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national 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.
Willmitch was nominated by her colleague, Kristi Glasier. She was recognized due to her positive teaching style, dedication and ability to create a positive rapport with students and colleagues.
Willmitch is a member of the Teacher-Administrator Partnership, a committee that works to maintain a positive climate and culture at school. She is also involved in a co-teaching model for her math instruction with Glasier, who has known Willmitch for a decade.
From L-R: Third grader Georgia Kuras, Karen Willmitch, third grader Clementine Hirsch and Kristi Glasier
“Mrs. Willmitch has consistently been an impressive colleague who treats students and staff with respect,” Glasier said. “She is hard-working, eager to collaborate and recognize goodness, and is committed to helping students progress academically, behaviorally and emotionally. She is a positive force and a LifeChanger in our community.”
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards.
In addition, a 16th prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his or her nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. Leave a story and/or positive comment about Mrs. Willmitch on her LifeChanger profile here; these comments are taken into consideration by the Spirit Award Selection Committee.
The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.
Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district 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