LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

William Whitlock was nominated by his colleague, Beth Lanning.

Mr. Whitlock, a dedicated English teacher at Southern High School, is a transformative force in the lives of his students. With decades of service in public education, Mr. Whitlock consistently goes beyond the role of a classroom instructor—serving as the advisor for the school’s yearbook program, mentoring students academically, and creating a learning environment rooted in equity, engagement, and empowerment.

In a school community where many students face economic and social barriers, Mr. Whitlock ensures his classroom is a place of possibility. His approach to English instruction prioritizes literacy, self-expression, and critical thinking. He challenges students to see themselves in literature and to believe their stories matter. As a result, his students consistently show growth in reading confidence, writing ability, and classroom participation. Mr. Whitlock has proven himself not only as a teacher but as a mentor, role model, and changemaker within the school.