LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Katie Bodily was nominated anonymously. 

"Katie teaches at the Jean Massieu School Of the Deaf. This school is part of the Utah Schools For the Deaf and Blind, which is a state-operated school. Katie works with all types of students who are Deaf, and some of them have disabilities such as Autism, blindness, and Down Syndrome. She teaches her students academics like reading, writing, math, and science, and she also teaches them American Sign Language. She makes videos for her students and their families so that they can practice ASL at home," said the nominator.

"She has made a year's worth of online activities to fit with the Utah State Core Standards and the different curriculums used in the school. She made a year's worth of videos and activities for literacy, math, science, and social studies. Her online activities help students who are in rural areas and/or have been impacted by COVID-19. She also teaches social and emotional learning to the students as it has never been more important since the pandemic," said the nominator.

"Katie works in the school's reading clinic after school to tutor students of all ages. Katie constantly answers emails, texts, and phone calls from parents and colleagues, even after contract hours. Katie uses money from her pocket to buy materials and things for her students and classroom. Katie doesn't just worry about her student's academics," said the nominator. "If her student's family needs help, she makes sure she goes through the proper avenues through the school and the Utah Food Bank to ensure they have food at home."

"Katie's students leave her kindergarten classroom reading on grade level. She helps all of her students develop a solid foundation for the rest of their education. Katie has high expectations for her students. She doesn't lower her standards because her students are Deaf, and it helps students develop confidence in their abilities to learn and progress."

"Katie also helps parents, especially parents who are new to the Deaf community, to realize that their student can be successful, not only in school but in life. She also teaches social and emotional learning to the students, as it has never been more important since the pandemic. Katie loves to do yoga with her students every morning when they arrive at school. She also has an area in her classroom where students can go when they need to calm down or need a break. Many people have commented about the positive environment of Katie's classroom. Staff members and administrators have said it feels like home or a family in her classroom because Katie is so positive and has such good relationships with her students."

"Katie always has students who have previously been in her class, even years later, come back and visit. The students always tell her that she is their favorite teacher and that they miss her class. Whether they are her current or previous students, they always say hello and greet her with a hi-five or hug when they see her. Katie is like a celebrity at her school, and everyone loves her. Katie also teaches the students how to self-advocate, which is an important skill. Katie collaborates well with other staff members and with people in the community. Katie has mentored and had many interns in her class throughout the years."

"Katie also puts time in to help students outside of the classroom. She has worked for years in the school's reading clinic, which happens after school to tutor students of all ages. Katie is also the secretary for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Education Association. Katie spends hours and hours each month in meetings and training to further her education and to be the best teacher for her students."

"Although she has recently transitioned from teaching kindergarten to becoming the Assessment Specialist, Katie's love and passion for teaching and the students haven't changed. She continues to be the positive, professional leader that she is. Katie puts her heart and soul into her teaching career, the community, and everything she does," said the nominator.