LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Charmaine Stone was nominated by a parent of a student, Ava Millstone.

Ms. Stone is a LifeChanger because she doesn't just teach students. She transforms lives, strengthens families, and anchors an entire school community. As a fifth-grade math and science teacher, Ms. Stone sets an extraordinarily high bar, both academically and relationally.

"She has taught both of my children and helped my older son build such a strong foundation that he entered 7th grade taking Algebra I, two years ahead in math. He told me, 'Ms. Stone made math fun and made me believe I could actually be great at it.' That kind of self-belief at a young age is life-changing. My younger son already knows and respects Ms. Stone through the Math Team, which she coaches in addition to her full-time teaching role. He said recently, 'I know Ms. Stone is tough, but I'm lucky I get her this year.' That kind of motivation and respect doesn't come from fear—it comes from knowing your teacher cares deeply about your success," said Millstone.

What makes Ms. Stone exceptional isn't just what she teaches, but how she leads. In a time when many schools are still recovering from the social-emotional challenges of the pandemic, Ms. Stone has helped stabilize the upper grades by being a consistent, grounded, and wise adult presence. She has taught for many years, and it shows: she brings maturity, grace, and strength to her classroom and her community. She also models what it means to go above and beyond. Ms. Stone sends weekly progress reports home with each student that require a parent signature. These reports include grades, missing assignments, and participation updates. Her consistent, meaningful academic communication makes a difference for parents and brings them into their kids' education. It's not just logistics—it's care. She makes sure every family feels informed, empowered, and included. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Stone leads Math Team, coaches Girls on the Run, helps plan fifth-grade graduation, and served for two years as the teacher representative on her school's parent-teacher association (PTA). She does all of this while raising her own children and still showing up every day for her students with love, energy, and high expectations. She treats every student like they are her own.

"Ms. Stone is the kind of educator who makes schools better—not just for her students, but for her colleagues, for families, and for generations to come. That's what makes her a LifeChanger," said Millstone.