LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Prochnow was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Prochnow has taught both second grade and kindergarten in the Rio Community School District over the years, and has been an expert at both. She is passionate about making learning come alive for students by providing real-world experiences that connect them with their community.

Ms. Prochnow organizes educational tours to the local bank, post office, and farms. She engages her students in missions to clean up the school grounds and Fireman's Park in April, and takes them caroling at the assisted living facility in December. Ms. Prochnow provides her kids with a rich classroom experience through a wide variety of read-alouds and art projects, and then shows them how their learning connects to the world around them, giving it true meaning. She works tirelessly to support each student in being the best learner they can be, not just in math and reading, but also in social, emotional, and aspirational skills.

"Ms. Prochnow has more patience than most teachers I know put together, and her love for her students and profession is evident in everything she does. Every student who has had her is a better citizen because of it," said the nominator.