LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Schmidt was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Schmidt is a phenomenal educator who makes an impact on the lives of her students on a daily basis. She knows each and every one of her students on a personal and academic level. This allows her to make connections with the children in a way that improves student achievement and lasts well beyond their time spent in her classroom.

She is committed to her students' academic achievements, and often works hours that extend past the regular school day. She spends countless hours grading, analyzing, and identifying individual students' misconceptions. She takes the information and uses it to guide the instruction for the next day.

"It sounds impossible, but somehow, Jenny is able to address the diverse learning needs of all of her students," the nominator said.

Ms. Schmidt keeps her students in at lunch and after school; not to punish them, but to keep them on track for the rest of the school year. She communicates with parents on a regular basis to keep them informed on their child's academic success and behavioral progress. Ms. Schmidt refuses to allow a student to fail. She challenges them with a variety of instructional practices and encourages them to think critically and apply their knowledge to real life situations.

During the 2016-2017 school year, Ms. Schmidt had a student in class who was rowdy, disruptive, and behind in her school work. Ms. Schmidt held this student accountable by speaking with her privately, encouraging her when things were going well, keeping her on track, assigning consequences when earned, and communication with parents.

As the school year progressed, the student started to feel successful, not only in Ms. Schmidt's class, but in all aspects of her life. In the spring, this student visited the nominator to share all of the positive success she had.

"It is amazing that a 13 year old girl matured so much over the course of one school year," the nominator said. "By the end of the year, Ms. Schmidt and the young lady performed together at the school talent show! This young lady would go back to visit Ms. Schmidt periodically to thank her."

"Jenny Schmidt is a life changer at Washington Academic Middle School because of her dedication to students and the staff," the nominator said. "There is no one else that I would rather have as a colleague than her!