LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sarah Hogg was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.

Ms. Hogg is a special education teacher and an absolute LifeChanger. She has a classroom of children with diverse educational, social, and emotional needs. She is skilled and artful in her ability to consistently meet the needs of each child, far exceeding the bounds of traditional curriculum. 

"My son has had the privilege of having Sarah Hogg as a teacher for several years, and I view her as both his teacher and life coach," said her nominator. "My son genuinely enjoys school and learning despite how difficult it is for him. I love my child as much as any mother loves her child, but I assure you it’s not his personality that has him actively engaged in his education. Sarah cultivates a wonderful learning environment by building and growing outwardly great relationships with the paraprofessionals in her class and the support staff her students rely on."

Mrs. Hogg reaches out to parents and encourages their input to help provide a learning environment for her students to feel safe and empowered to do their best. She understands when her students are having a bad day, but still holds them accountable for their responsibilities. Mrs. Hogg invests in the welfare of her students and sends a daily home note for every kid. The notes describe how the child did, what they needed help with, where they shined, and what opportunities for growth occurred.

"It helps me know what is going on in my child’s day, as he is not a great communicator," said the nominator. "It provides me with information and tools to help him at home. I am grateful to her for being a firm, nurturing, consistent, warm, fun, exceptional teacher, worthy of a much bigger title."

She is known to check in at the after care program at the school, and if her students or other students she knows are having difficulties, she uses her personal time to help the kids and staff work through the issues. She truly cares about the overall well-being of her students!