LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Carla Huffman was nominated by her principal, Katie Dunlap.

"Mrs. Huffman is a fourth-grade teacher at Pevely Elementary in Pevely, MO, and a teacher that her students will never forget! It is a tremendous honor to nominate Mrs. Huffman for the LifeChanger of the Year award because of the difference she makes in her classroom and our school daily," said Dunlap.

When students join Mrs. Huffman's classroom, they are not just a student on her roster; they become part of her family. While academics are essential for success at school, Mrs. Huffman goes beyond her lesson planning to build lifelong bonds with her students. She attends events that are important to them outside of school, such as sporting events, birthdays, award ceremonies, etc., as one of their top cheerleaders and supporters. Mrs. Huffman will purchase items for students who need them without seeking recognition or payment because she knows how important it is for them to have what they need. Mrs. Huffman exemplifies educating the "whole child" through the personal time she gives to her students, her passion for knowing each student as an individual, and her strong willpower to never give up on a student. 

"In our building, Mrs. Huffman will always volunteer for after-school and community events because she knows her students will be looking for her," said Dunlap. "Her current and past students will always seek her out for a hug or high-five when they see her! She is active in our school PTO, in our Staff Leader in Me Action Teams, our district Bright Futures committee, the district CSIP planning committee, and more. She is always willing to help and loves being involved with our school and the community that we serve. She is also a resident of our community and a former student in our district, so she values the success of our students at an extremely high level."

"There are many examples that come to mind when thinking of the multitude of ways in which Mrs. Huffman is a LifeChanger, but one of the most evident ways that I witness daily is her ability to give every student a fresh start," said Dunlap. "Mrs. Huffman will voluntarily request students who struggle, dislike school, and can be difficult to teach. From day one, she makes it a goal with the students to change their lives positively. Some of these students are dealing with situations at home that are out of their control, lack resources, and have learned to hold little value in education. Mrs. Huffman embraces them and reminds them multiple times per day that she loves them, cares about them, and is going to be there for them beyond the one year that they have her as their classroom teacher. This past school year, she changed a student's life in her classroom with daily reminders and positive notes that were kept between her and the student. He needed a cheerleader but did not want others in the classroom to know. She found ways to quietly remind him to make positive choices. Mrs. Hufman called home when he did well and left little notes on his desk for him to read and keep as reminders of her support. Mrs. Huffman built a strong bond with this student, and although he challenged her to the last day of school, she never gave up on him. I believe that the student would do anything to help or support Mrs. Huffman today if he knew she needed it. She promised she would be there for the big moments in his life because she wants to see him do so well, and I wholeheartedly know she means it!"

"Many of our students struggle with trust, having consistent and constant support, and having an adult who will care for them no matter what. Mrs. Huffman is that person for the students in her classroom, her past students, and any students in need around her! She is the teacher that students will never forget. The field of education needs more teachers like Carla Huffman to fuel the love for learning, teaching, and the success of our students. Mrs. Huffman never takes action to seek recognition which speaks volumes about her character, her passion, and most of all, her heart. She is a true LifeChanger," said Dunlap.