Position: Teacher
School: Gabilan Elementary School
School District: Soledad Unified School District
City, State: Soledad, CA
Laura Maldonado was nominated anonymously.
Mrs. Maldonado, a teacher for over 23 years, has continued to impact children and families. She is passionate, empathetic, and dedicated to her work.
"I want to share how, as a parent, I notice her work is not just a job. I truly believe she cares about the people she comes in contact with, and this is why I am nominating her for LifeChanger of the Year," said the nominator.
Mrs. Maldonado captures moments of a child's life in photos and comments that you miss as a parent during school hours.
"With technology, she has made me feel involved in my child's life even if I'm away at work. She recently said she 'wants to capture and share the special moments with the parents.' I have talked to others and noticed that what she is doing is going above and beyond her teacher duties," the nominator added.
She is a mentor to her staff, she can collaborate and bring people together, and she cares for the future of the students and the school.
"In the few months I have met her, she has dedicated her time to cleaning the school community garden and gathering parents and students for a cleanup. She has coordinated a classroom holiday sing-along by decorating, bringing families together, and organizing volunteers for potlucks. Teachers like Mrs. Maldonado need to be recognized. She is a role model to others and is appreciated by the students, parents, staff, and community," said the nominator.