LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lisa Weaver's nominator wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Weaver is an amazing educator! When the nominator first met her at school 10 years ago, he was in awe of her positive attitude and the atmosphere in her classroom. 

"Lisa's heart is in her profession, 120%," the nominator said. "She gives to her students in so many ways and does not seek attention for it."

There have been many situations where she has gone above and beyond the call of duty for her students. One year, she found out that a student was sleeping on the floor because he wanted his sisters to sleep on the only bed and couch in their house. Ms. Weaver knew she could not buy him a bed, but she bought him two sleeping bags and two pillows to try and help him sleep easier. His family was also having issues with plumbing and electricity, so she went out of her way to find people who could help them.

In order to help her students succeed in the classroom, Ms. Weaver develops strong relationships to help students build their self-confidence. She does not label her students because she believes that all students can succeed if you connect with them. She turns students' behavioral issues around so they can begin to grow academically.

One of her students left second grade on a fourth grade level. Another entered second grade on a kindergarten level and left on a third grade level.

"It was inspiring to watch the growth of those two students that year, both behaviorally and academically," the nominator said. "Lisa still checks in on those students, two years later, and lets them know that she is still there for them and still cares."

Ms. Weaver has served on her school leadership team for ten years, and is a mentor teacher for many new teachers. Many colleagues look up to Ms. Weaver and seek her advice. She is always willing to listen and help in any way possible. Recently, she finished an Aspiring Leader program in her county in hopes to one day go into administration. Ms. Weaver's philosophy is "See a need, fill a need."

"She lives by that philosophy and is always going above and beyond," the nominator said. "She has served as the school webmaster, social media master, taught professional learning classes, served on numerous committees, coached academic teams, worked very closely with her school administration to continue to grow as a teacher leader, and the list could continue. There is nothing Lisa wouldn't do for her students, school, and community. There is no one like her."