LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Vicki Willett was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Willett's role is unique. As a STEM specialist who pushes into approximately 30 K–4 classrooms on a biweekly to weekly basis, she reaches over 750 students throughout the school year. She works alongside teachers to bring hands-on, inquiry-based learning to students of all abilities.

She creates a positive classroom environment by fostering a culture of curiosity, acceptance, and growth. Many students who may not thrive in traditional academic settings find success in STEM, and she celebrates that. She reminds students that "FAIL" stands for "First Attempt In Learning," and she intentionally designs lessons where mistakes are part of the process. Students are encouraged to take risks, try again, and collaborate.

When she enters a classroom, students know they are accepted and valued, not just for their academic performance, but for who they are. This sense of belonging builds confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.

Career Accomplishments:

• Dow Award for STEM Teaching Excellence (2011) - Recognized for outstanding innovation and impact in STEM education.
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) – Ohio State Finalist and Awardee (2016) – The nation's highest honor for K–12 STEM teachers.
• Ohio Teacher Leader Liaison – Selected to collaborate with educational leaders statewide on advancing instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Standards Development Contributor – Served on Ohio Department of Education committees to help write and revise academic standards in Science, Technology, and Computer Science.
• Member, High-Quality Instructional Materials Review Team - Collaborated with the Ohio Department of Education to evaluate and recommend top-tier resources for Science and Computer Science instruction.