4 Oregon Teachers Nominated For LifeChanger Of The Year Award

BEAVERTON, OR — Four Oregon teachers, including one in Beaverton, were nominated for the National Life Group Foundation's LifeChanger of the Year award for 2017-2018, which acknowledges the top K-12 teachers and school district staff who stand out among their peers as the best examples of excellence, leadership, and positive influence on students.

Hundreds of educators across the nation are nominated annually, with only 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year award recipients selected by the National Life Group's six-member selection committee. Winners will be revealed this spring.

This year's Oregon nominees are:

• Susan Duncan — Meadow Park Middle School, Beaverton School District;

• Jeff Gower — Century High School, Hillsboro School District;

• Deanna Yucho — Holleydale Elementary School, Gresham-Barlow School District; and

• Oralia Vargas — St. Paul Elementary School, St. Paul School District #45.

Nominated by school officials and parents alike, the nominees are considered based on the following criteria considered by the selection committee:

• Make a positive impact in the lives of students;
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride;
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level;
• Possess a proven record of professional excellence;
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning; and
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.

Duncan, a science teacher at Meadow Park Middle School, was nominated by Susan Holveck, the Beaverton School District science specialist.

"Susan is the smartest and kindest teacher that I know," Holveck wrote in her nomination statement, noting a 14-year history of working alongside Duncan. "She utilizes a wide range of teaching practices that meet the needs of all the varied learning styles found in her classroom."

From recording class labs for absent students to review later to educational field trips that allow students to experience science in hands-on environments, Duncan goes above and beyond, Holveck said, to ensure her students have everything they need to succeed.

Duncan's advocation for science programs, collaboration with professional partners to give students a direct view into the real life of a scientist, and encouragement of parental involvement are all highlighted by Holveck.

"Susan set high standards of excellence for herself, and helps others to achieve those standards," she said. "She takes on leadership roles within her team, her department, her building, and the district. She is an amazing classroom teacher. She is, in fact, the best teacher that I know."

Duncan has the chance to win one of the following awards:

• One Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• Four Grand Prize Finalists will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• 10 LifeChanger Award Winners will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• One Spirit Award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• One Spotlight Award is given each year to a nominee in a specific discipline. For 2017-2018, the award was given to Debra Santiago, who works as a secretary and bookkeeper in Orlando, FL. She received $5,000 to share with her school, Timber Lakes Elementary School.

According to National Life Group officials, "Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in spring 2018 in Bermuda, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed."

To check out Gower's LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, for more information on the LifeChanger of the Year program, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

Images via National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year