LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jamie Polk was nominated anonymously. 

First and foremost, Ms. Polk's classroom is built on mutual respect from the moment students enter. She greets each student by name, creating an immediate sense of belonging. From day one, Ms. Polk makes it clear that every student is valued, respected, and celebrated, regardless of their background or culture.

She consistently gives positive praise when students demonstrate growth, effort, and positive behavior. During presentations, Ms. Polk sets the tone for a supportive environment by having the class clap before and after each student presents, reinforcing encouragement and respect for their work. She also invites community partners to mentor her students as they prepare for their pitch presentations, giving them real-world feedback and professional guidance.

To build confidence and morale, Ms. Polk has a Student of the Month program, where peers vote based on leadership and character. She recognizes that students can’t learn their best when they’re hungry, so she provides snacks when needed to help them focus. On birthdays, Ms. Polk makes each student feel special by giving them a small treat bag.

She also calls the students' homes to share positive updates, letting parents know when their student is doing well. Her goal is to create a positive, safe, and uplifting space where students feel seen, supported, and motivated to succeed, both in the classroom and in life.

Ms. Polk has received numerous career awards, including:

• Dallas ISD Distinguished Teacher
• TEA Recognized Teacher
• Oak Cliff Chamber Teacher of the Year
• Education and Social Services at Townview Magnet Center Teacher of the Year, and
• The Texas Department of Education - VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

At Price Career Institute, many of her students come from low-income households and face barriers that impact their ability to be fully career-ready. While they are developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the workforce, many lack access to professional attire for interviews, presentations, and career-related events. Additionally, some students arrive at school hungry, which affects their focus, engagement, and academic performance.

To address these needs, Ms. Polk is piloting a Career Readiness Clothes Closet and a Student Support Pantry that includes items such as ties, belts, and shoes. These items will make a significant difference in helping students feel confident and prepared for career and college opportunities. Alongside the clothing closet, she will maintain a small food pantry stocked with nutritious snacks to ensure students have the energy to learn and perform at their best throughout the day.

This project aims to address two significant barriers to student success: appearance-related confidence in professional settings and hunger-related distractions in the classroom. By equipping students with the necessary resources, Ms. Polk will help them feel prepared for interviews, competitions, and community events, while also supporting their overall well-being.