LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lesley Wheeler was nominated by a colleague, Mamie Holland.

An instructional coach is someone whose chief professional responsibility is to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms by working with teachers and other school leaders. Mrs. Wheeler, the instructional coach at Memorial Drive Elementary School, does just that.

Mrs. Wheeler is always ready to lend a helping hand to the students, teachers and administrators in her building, as well as in the district. She makes a beneficial difference in the lives of students by working with them directly, either one-on-one or in small groups. She listens to students read in guided reading, models writing, and gives feedback to the students. Mrs. Wheeler also provides important tools for teachers to help their students become more successful in the classroom.

Mrs. Wheeler's leadership within her school has been proven time and time again. She has taught in the classroom for many years, and she knows how to help first time teachers prepare their rooms, organize their lesson plans, group their students for reading and math, and assess their students.  She also has suggestions for teachers on handling student behavior.  Mrs. Wheeler has presented helpful information in many grade-level meetings and faculty meetings.

"We are lucky to have Lesley Wheeler as our instructional coach here at Memorial Drive Elementary School. She is truly our LifeChanger of the Year," Holland said.