LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Richard Rodriguez was nominated by an anonymous member of the community.

Mr. Rodriguez has dedicated the past 12 years to changing the lives of students in Santa Ana, California. He is a teacher who believes that eduational equity means that each child receives what he or she needs to develop to his or her full academic and social potential. Mr. Rodriguez does what he does because he is passionate about giving every child the opportunity to have the best educational experience and never feel limited by their circumstances, environments, or disabilities. He is also a leader who believes leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts long after you are gone.

Mr. Rodriguez' commitment doesn't stop in the classroom; he dedicates his afternoon to coaching sports such as football, basketball, and track and field. As a former athlete, he knows the importance that sports play in children's lives and wants his students to be exposed to other things beside academics so they become well-rounded individuals. He also knows that sports can save students from the dangers of the streets. 

Mr. Rodriguez is a role model who is very loved and admired. His former students always come back to thank him for the lessons he instilled in them. Mr. Rodriguez adheres to high moral and ethical standards and shares the importance of integrity with his students and athletes. At school, he is committed to producing a nurturing atmosphere, sharing with other teachers that every child you pass in the hall has a story that needs to be heard. He also emphasizes that all students deserve equal access to high quality education, and it is our professional, ethical, and moral responsibility as educators to assure it happens. This only scratches the surface of what Mr. Rodriguez does. For this, and a million other reasons, he is a LifeChanger in his community!