LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jim Vento was nominated by a student.

"You rarely hear students say they are excited to go to math class, but Mr. Vento is the kind of teacher who makes class enjoyable. As a current senior in high school, it has been a long time since my 8th-grade math class with Mr. Vento. Looking back on it, however, has made me realize that he was one of the biggest influences on my future," said the student.

"I have always been advanced in math but haven't always enjoyed it.
When you have a teacher who is monotonous or lectures for the whole class, it is easy to become resentful towards math. Mr. Vento is the opposite of that kind of teacher. He cares about his students and ensures that every class is engaging. Whether it was making jokes or telling stories, there was always something to look forward to in each class," said the student.

"He makes class engaging and teaches very well. He makes sure all of his students are prepared for high school and the future. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed not only in his class but also in whatever they choose to pursue. For example, he recently wrote a letter of recommendation for my college applications. Not many seniors ask their middle school teachers for letters of recommendation, but that is the kind of teacher Mr. Vento is," said the student.