LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Claudia Oakes was nominated by a member of the community, Donna Bates. 

Mrs. Oakes, a seasoned Spanish educator, infuses her secondary classes at Christian Heritage Academy with kinesthetic learning experiences. Students are engaged, often speaking Spanish with one another or completing translation assignments by searching for images taped to the classroom walls. They explore cultural studies both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond academic excellence, Mrs. Oakes fosters a supportive learning environment where students develop a strong work ethic and feel valued. One unique activity involves bringing her students to a local Mexican restaurant, where they order their meals in Spanish. Mrs. Oakes enlists the help of the waitstaff to assess their language skills. This immersive experience offers numerous benefits. Students gain practical language skills, strengthen bonds with their peers, and demonstrate appreciation for the local culture and business community. This initiative underscores the broader community's role in students' education. Mrs. Oakes' innovative teaching methods and commitment to community engagement inspire her colleagues. By incorporating a variety of instructional strategies and fostering connections with the local community, she exemplifies the ideal educator.