LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Weenona Brannon was nominated by her spouse, Edward Brannon.

Before understanding how and why Mrs. Brannon's contributions are important, it is first necessary to understand how she got to where she is today.

When Mrs. Brannon was in school, there was no special education program. She had (and still deals with) a learning disability, and as a result, she struggled through school.  Her parents were told that she would graduate high school, but not to expect much more from her after that.  She and her parents were also told that she would never go to college.

While a lot of children would be discouraged and basically give up after hearing news like that, that was not the case with Mrs. Brannon.  Even after being turned down by several colleges, she continued to fight, and eventually found one that would give her a chance.  She earned a Bachelor's Degree, but refused to stop there.  She returned to school to earn her Master's Degree, and continued until she ultimately earned her Ed.S. degree. 

It was during this time that she decided to go into the field of Special Education; she felt a calling to put herself in a position to help those in need, the help she didn't have the chance to receive. 

Special education has become a passion for Mrs. Brannon.  There is an old adage that says "It takes one to know one."  Mrs. Brannon's passion has been fueled by the fact that she has been where the children she works with on a daily basis are today.  She's not just an outsider- she has lived it.  Only someone who has struggled with these issues themselves can truly understand it.  Mrs. Brannon understands it, and that is what makes her extraordinary in her field.

"I have witnessed former students, and parents of former students, come up to her when we were out in public, and tell her what an impact she has made on their lives, and the lives of their children," said Mr. Brannon. "She recently learned that a student she had taught years ago had graduated from college.  These incidents are an ongoing testament to the love and compassion that Weenona has for her students.  She instills a belief in them that they can achieve, and be successful."

Mrs. Brannon is currently providing tutorial services for a special needs student who other teachers and administrators have basically given up on.  Since she has been working with this young man, he has made a complete turnaround in his behavior, and his grades have improved.  He is also becoming more outgoing and sociable. A boy who others had abandoned has began to flourish under Mrs. Brannon's tutelage.

Mrs. Brannon has recently joined her school's Leadership Committee, which has put her in the position to make changes to improve the Special Education program, as well as to ensure the policies and procedures that are in place comply with State-mandated regulations.  Having been in the Special Education field for nearly 25 years, Mrs. Brannon has developed the knowledge and skills needed to carry the Special Education program forward.  She knows the rules, laws, policies, and regulations on the local, county, and state levels, and she follows them on a daily basis.  Staff members and administrators will go to her with questions when Special Education issues arise. 

Mrs. Brannon has always given her students and her administrators her best at everything she has done.  She has a very high work ethic, as evidenced by her outstanding evaluations and by how well her students have responded to her methods of teaching.  Her morals are impeccable; she has never mistreated anyone, and she is fair and impartial to all. 

Mrs. Brannon also spends an extraordinary amount of time during the summer months going to workshops and seminars to further her knowledge in the area of Special Education. She uses her spare time during the summer months to prepare for the upcoming school year by searching out new material and new ways to reach and teach her students.  Additionally, she also provides summer services to those who have needs, which is a testament to her love and passion for Special Education and the children it serves.