Lisa Maynard
Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: James A. Garfield Elementary School
School District: James A. Garfield Local Schools
City, State: Garrettsville, OH
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Music that Describes Lisa
Lisa Maynard was nominated by her principal, Rachelle Craine.
"If I had to describe Lisa Maynard in three words, they would be compassionate, dedicated, and genuine. I have had the privilege of working alongside Lisa for many years, and I can honestly say she is one of the most caring educators I have ever known. She has a gift for making people feel valued, whether they are students, parents, or fellow staff members," said Craine.
Ms. Maynard never seeks recognition, but she deserves it for the difference she makes every single day. One of her greatest strengths is the way she connects with people on a personal level. Whether she is talking with a student who needs encouragement, a parent with a concern, or a coworker who needs someone to listen, she gives people her full attention and makes them feel heard. She has a genuine interest in others and takes the time to build meaningful relationships. Both children and adults know they can come to her because she listens without judgment, offers thoughtful support, and makes everyone feel valued. That ability to connect with people is one of the many reasons she has earned the respect and admiration of the entire school community.
She has a special way of connecting with students. She takes the time to get to know them, understand their needs, and help them believe in themselves. She celebrates their successes, encourages them through challenges, and is always willing to listen. Students know they can count on her, and that trust makes all the difference. She does not just teach lessons. She teaches confidence, kindness, and resilience.
"One of the qualities I admire most about Lisa is her flexibility. No matter what changes come her way, she approaches them with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever is needed to support students and the school. She never complains when plans change or when she is asked to take on something new. Instead, she steps up with a smile and figures out how to make it work. Her calm and steady presence helps everyone around her," Craine added.
Ms. Maynard also has a true love of learning. She is always looking for new ideas, better ways to reach students, and opportunities to grow professionally. She embraces change because she knows learning never stops, not for students and not for educators. That passion inspires those around her to keep growing as well.
One memory that perfectly captures who she is happened last school year. She went above and beyond to prepare her students for a Readers Theatre performance. She spent countless hours helping them practice, build confidence, and truly enjoy the experience. She invited families to attend, turning the performance into a special celebration of the students' hard work and growth.
Watching the pride on the students' faces as they performed for their parents was unforgettable. Ms. Maynard created an opportunity for every child to shine, and it was clear how much love and care she had poured into making the event meaningful for both the students and their families. Moments like that are what make her such an extraordinary educator.
She has played an important role in creating a school where people feel welcome and supported. She works well with everyone and is always willing to share her ideas, lend a hand, or offer encouragement. She leads by example through her kindness, professionalism, and strong work ethic. Whether she is mentoring a new colleague, helping solve a problem, or simply checking in on someone who needs support, she makes the school a better place.
Throughout her career, Ms. Maynard has consistently demonstrated excellence as an educator. She sets high expectations for herself while always keeping students at the center of every decision she makes. She is dependable, thoughtful, and someone her colleagues know they can trust.
What stands out most about her is the nurturing environment she creates. Every student who walks through their door knows they matter. She believes every child has potential and works tirelessly to help each one succeed, both academically and personally. Her patience, compassion, and encouragement leave a lasting impact on the lives of her students.
She also represents the highest moral and ethical standards. She treats everyone with honesty, fairness, and respect. She leads with integrity and is the kind of person others naturally turn to for guidance and support.
"After working with Lisa for so many years, I can say without hesitation that she truly is a LifeChanger. Her impact reaches far beyond her own classroom. She has touched the lives of countless students, encouraged her colleagues, and helped shape a school community where people feel cared for and inspired to do their best. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Lisa Maynard," Craine concluded.
Mrs. Maynard gave my son the best possible 2nd grade experience. The growth I saw in just that single year blew me away. She found the perfect balance of getting each child to reach their academic potential while also creating an unforgettable fun classroom family environment. My son couldn’t wait to tell me about how much fun he had each day. As a parent I’m very grateful for all the opportunities she provided to allow parents to come in and celebrate with our child, and also all the thoughtful hand made crafts that were sent home. Her end of the year award ceremony allowed each child to be recognized for what makes them special, I can’t think of a more wonderful way to help build self-esteem at such a young age. Mrs. Maynard has certainly mastered the craft of teaching and her love for the children was always evident. Thank you Mrs. Maynard for all the hard work and heart you put into teaching.
Lisa is truly one of the best teachers in our school district. I have worked with her for over 20 years in multiple grade levels. She is kind, humble, confident and has an incredible ability to make every child feel seen, valued and capable.
She is amazing at meeting the individual needs of her students while somehow multitasking all that comes with being an exceptional teacher. She makes learning fun, engaging, meaningful, and her creativity shines through.
I also have the privilege of calling her my friend. I can say that she is just as wonderful outside the classroom. She is a fantastic friend, a great listener and someone who genuinely cares about others. Lisa has been a wonderful teacher to so many children, including my own daughter when she was in kindergarten.
Lisa truly is a Life Changer!
Lisa is a wonderful teacher and person. I think of her every Christmas when I hang my children’s hand made Christmas ornaments on the tree. The extra time she took to ensure these keepsakes and others were preserved still amazes me. Lisa gives the extra effort in big and small ways and always leaves me wondering how she does it all. My family has been touched by her generosity, thoughtfulness, and sincere caring for other people.
Miss Naftzger, well now Mrs.Maynard, was the start to my educational experience. Even though she has been married since the summer after kindergarten, she will always be Miss.Naftzger to me. I always enjoyed coming to class in the morning. I will never forget learning the days of the week, the yellow, red, and blue analog clock, or the box of goldfish she kept behind her desk for me to have for snack. Every time I smell germ-x hand sanitizer, I think of kindergarten and I think of her. I always wanted her as a teacher since my older brother had been in her class. Truthfully, I’ve never known a kinder, more patient, and compassionate person in my life. You truly deserve the good things in life!
Both of my kids were lucky enough to have Lisa as their kindergarten teacher. My son, who is 25 now, had her the first year that she was teaching. I was going through a divorce and it was a really difficult time, but one thing I never had to worry about was how he was doing in school, because she was such an excellent teacher. She helps every single one of her students achieve their very best. I remember being a bit nervous about getting "the new teacher", and then realizing that we had actually hit the amazing teacher jackpot! She is kind, present, consistent, fair, and understanding. She makes learning easy for the kids by giving them age-appropriate boundaries and expectations along with genuine care, encouragement, and a wonderful sense of humor. My family loves Lisa! She is one of our favorite people and will be forever. Thank you, Lisa, for who you are and the difference you made in my children's lives!
If any of yall have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Maynard, you know the kind, authentic, loving and crafty. Her passion for learning and truly connecting with her students is felt by the students and their parents.
She knows my kiddo in amd out and can tell me things about her that I didnt know (like that she loves Reader's Theater that Mrs. Maynard organizes to keep the creativity and love for reading alive).
Before 1st grade my kiddo did not like reading and was reading below grade level. She said Mrs. Maynard is the reason she loves reading now and reading well above grade level. Mrs. Maynard took this on as a personal challenge like her own kids because she said "you can do this" and she made sure of it.
She knows these kids in mind and heart. And that only comes from a true passion for people and teaching.
Ive personally seen multiple kids crying that they will leave second grade and not have Mrs. Maynard the next year. We are so lucky to know her.
From Hailey:
I love you so much and I'm sad I'm not in your class. I miss you
I had the privilege of being paired with Lisa Maynard during my college experience as an aide in her classroom. We built a great bond during that time, and I was fortunate enough to then get to become her Student Teacher during my Senior year. I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be the same teacher without her mentorship. Lisa encompasses the most important qualities of an elementary school teacher- she cares deeply for each of her students, she builds great relationships with them and their families, and she teaches to the curriculum, but can be flexible and adapt to each classes/student’s needs. One of the most admirable things about Lisa is her calming presence and ability to come alive and make the classroom a fun and engaging place of respect, fun, and learning. I cannot think of another teacher as deserving of this award as Lisa!
As I sit here and try to come up with words that describe Lisa…I am quickly realizing I could write an entire essay on her- her abilities, her talent, her love and passion for teaching, her dedication to her students...the list goes on!
Not only do I have the honor of knowing Lisa as a family member, and a friend, but I also got to know her as our daughter’s teacher for 2 years. It has been the biggest blessing getting to see her first-hand doing what she was meant to do!
She’s an amazing mother to 4 of her own children and somehow finds space in her heart for each and every student she’s taught. The connections I’ve witnessed between her and her students are something truly special. She has the most unique and fun way of teaching-always keeping her students engaged and allowing them space to use every inch of their imagination- which is incredibly refreshing in this technological world we are living. She’s supportive, loving, and fun- one of those teacher’s that her students will talk about for the rest of their lives.
Sometimes life has a way of placing people exactly where they should be in life- and there is no doubt, Lisa was born to teach and help shape the minds of little ones. We are so grateful she’s a part of our life!
I had the opportunity to work as a substitute teacher for Lisa while she was on maternity leave, and that experience had a lasting impact on me as an educator. From the very beginning, Lisa set me up for success through her exceptional organization, thoughtful preparation, and the abundance of resources and materials she provided.
Throughout that year, Lisa not only made my transition into her classroom seamless, but also helped me grow tremendously as an educator. I continue to look up to her and strive to bring the same level of organization, dedication, and care to my own classroom.
Lisa is incredibly deserving of this grant. She has touched the lives of so many students, families, and educators in our community, and I am honored to be one of them. She has been a significant stepping stone in my educational journey, and the influence she has had on me continues to shape the teacher I am today. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her and to call her a colleague and mentor.
Ms. Maynard was truly one of those teachers who left a lasting impact on her students. I am now a senior in college, and it amazes me that after all these years, I can still remember so many of the things she taught me and the memories I made in her classroom. She was incredibly kind, patient, encouraging, and always made her students feel valued and supported. Looking back, I realize how much a great teacher can influence a student beyond the classroom, and Ms. Maynard certainly did that for me. I feel so lucky to have been one of her students, and she absolutely deserves this recognition!
Mrs Maynard is one of a kind. She is compassionate and gets to know her students. She is genuine she truly cares about the children in her classroom. I was so thankful my son had Mrs Maynard as his teacher. She is truly a gift! Everyday my son was so excited to go to school and couldn’t wait to see his favorite teacher. He loved coming home and sharing stories of how his day went In the classroom. This year thanks to Mrs Maynard he excelled. He learned so much and retained all the information thanks to her incredible teaching skills. She made learning fun! The end of the year my son did not want to leave. It’s so rewarding as a mom to know that when your son is at school there is someone as amazing as Mrs Maynard. I never had to worry if he was having a bad day. I knew he was always in great hands. There is no one more deserving of this recognition. She made such a positive impact In our lives. She is a LifeChanger.
Lisa has had two of my children in her class, and if I could hand-pick a teacher for my children, she would be my choice every single time.
Her experience, expertise, kindness, and genuinely caring heart are unmatched. One of my children has specific medical needs, and without hesitation, Lisa took it upon herself to spend her own time learning everything she could about the condition. She went above and beyond to become knowledgeable and prepared, simply because that is the type of person and teacher she is. She truly cares for every child as if they were her own.
I have no doubt that my children will remember Lisa for the rest of their lives and will always remember the impact she had on them. As a parent, I will never forget everything she has done for our family either.
Lisa is truly one of the best people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and our school and our children are incredibly fortunate to have her!
Lisa is and was an amazing role model and teacher to our two boys. Each year we requested to have her as she is structured, communicates amazingly, and my boys both loved having her. I am forever grateful for the path she paved for both of our boys. She not only is a fantastic educator but fair. I can’t say enough about her as a person and educator to our children. We are blessed to have Lisa as a teacher at our school!
Mrs. Maynard was my kindergarten teacher 16 years ago, and my brothers kindergarten teacher 20 years ago. There are not many people who make such a lasting positive impact on someone’s life, but she is one of those people for me and many others. She’s gentle, caring, and compassionate. She was made for this profession and is the most deserving person I know to be nominated for this award! Thank you for being you Mrs. Maynard!! <3
There are certain teachers you remember long after your children leave their classroom. Lisa Maynard is one of those teachers.
I truly could not have asked for a better person to be my children’s kindergarten teacher. Kindergarten is such an important year. For my children, it was their first experience with full-time school, and for me as their mom, it meant trusting someone else with two of the most important people in my life for the majority of their day. I had all the nerves, worries, and emotions that come with that transition. Lisa somehow understood that she wasn’t only welcoming my children into her classroom—she was helping me through that transition, too.
From the beginning, she had a special way of making her classroom feel safe, happy, encouraging, and exciting. My children weren’t simply students to her. She took the time to know them as individuals, recognize their strengths, encourage them when they struggled, and celebrate their growth.
The difference she made in them during that first year of school went far beyond academics. I watched their confidence grow. I watched them become more independent, curious, and excited to learn. She helped lay the foundation for the students they would become, and years later, I can still recognize the importance of that foundation.
What made Lisa extraordinary was the heart she brought into her classroom. She had an incredible ability to make children feel important while also giving parents the reassurance that their children were in wonderful hands. As a mother sending my children off to full-time school for the first time, that meant more to me than I could ever adequately put into words.
Teachers may not always get to see the full impact they have on a child’s life because those children grow up, move on to other classrooms, and eventually graduate. But parents remember. We remember the teacher who first made our child love school. We remember the teacher who saw something special in them. We remember the person who cared for them when we couldn’t be there.
I remember Lisa Maynard.
Looking back now and seeing how far my children have come makes me even more grateful that their educational journey began with her. I couldn’t have been luckier, and neither could my children.
A LifeChanger isn’t necessarily someone who changes a life with one enormous moment. Sometimes it is someone who shows up every day, pours love, patience, encouragement, and confidence into a child, and helps create a foundation that lasts for years.
That is exactly what Lisa Maynard did for my children, and I will always be grateful that she was their very first teacher.
It is an absolute honor to nominate Lisa Maynard for LifeChanger of the Year.
While a colleague and a friend, my testimony mostly comes from Lisa teaching both of my own children. To say a kindergarten teacher need patience is an understatement, but Lisa does so with amazing grace. She is understanding while holding high expectations, flexible yet routine, and reflective - even with five year-olds! Communication lines are always wide open, both as a parent and co-worker, with no intimidation, especially with a high energy child. My children showed amazing educational growth in such a short time under Lisa's care. She realizes that kids' brains are sponges and utilizes them to their full potential. Lisa made lasting impressions that both my grown children still remember today. I could tell the caring nature she used consistently in the classroom by the way my daughter played school and talked to her "students". That same daughter will complete her student teaching this spring. Talk about a lasting impact! Lisa Maynard is a gamechanger in the classroom and a LifeChanger outside the classroom.
Mrs.Maynard was my kindergarten teacher, she was an amazing teacher. Even after I left her classroom I still had an awesome relationship with her. When my mother passed away when I was in 6th grade she was one of the teachers that came to the funeral and supported me. It was something I did not expect a teacher to go to but she did. Her being there meant more to me than words can express. She cares and supports her students even if they are no longer in her classroom. It has been 13 years since then and I can still remember her being there. She even supported my brother as well and gave him a picture of our mother and him that she had. She has a beautiful heart and truly cares for each and every one of her students past, present, and future!
Ms. Maynard was my son Colton’s second grade teacher. Colton has always struggled in school, despite that, he never wanted to miss a day! I attribute that in large part to Ms. Maynard! He came home almost everyday and told me how she had somehow impacted his day. Sometimes it was just kind words of encouragement, sometimes it was her praise. If anyone deserves this award it is Ms. Maynard
Way to go neighbor! We are lucky to have you in our school!!
I can personally attest to attributes mentioned above by Mrs. Craine as a parent to one of Ms. Maynard’s students. My son struggles with reading but Ms. Maynard creates a family feeling classroom that is safe and encouraging. My son would raise his hand and volunteer to read out loud even though he is much slower than his peers and never was made to feel less than. Ms. Maynard noticed early on that Mason was a one of a kind learner of a student and she said in all her years of teaching she only had one other student like Mason but she was determined to find ways to connect with him and help him succeed in school, not just 2nd grade but tools that would help him succeed far beyond. She was one of the biggest advocates for my son to help him get an IEP. For a parent to advocate for their own kiddo is one thing, but for a teacher to advocate for your kid is something extremely rare and beautiful. She brought me into her team and knowledge and led the way every step. The kids cried on their last day of school, not wanting their time with Ms. Maynard to end, and frankly, I did as well. She is a teacher who will be remembered far beyond elementary school and even high school as a person who truly made a difference and became part of your own family. I can’t say enough good things about my experience as a parent and my sons experience as a student in Ms. Maynard’s classroom. And I cannot wait for my youngest to have Ms. Maynard in a few years when he gets to second grade too!
I have had the honor of knowing Lisa not only as a teacher, but a coworker, and most definitely a friend.
Lisa had my son in both Kindergarten and 3rd grade. He was so excited both times. He knew that she’d take care of him and help him be the best that he could be while making lasting memories along the way. She was extraordinary all around. She still checks in on him and cares about her students always.
I work with Lisa. I’ve been in the same unit, same hallway, and across the building through our movements. No matter our distance, her impact is felt. She has a calm demeanor that the students respect, and they adore her. If we find time in the morning to chat, previous students are always coming in for a morning hug. She genuinely cares. Deeply. And the students know it, they feel it.
I’m honored to know Lisa as a friend also. I’m thankful she finds time away from her own amazing 4 kids to take a break. She is raising some of the smartest, kindest, caring tiny humans ever. She is the best mom, teacher, coworker, and friend that this girl could ask for.
I’m so proud of her for even letting me know about this, because she’s also the most humble person ever. I could not think of a more deserving person to receive this recognition even though she’ll be embarrassed to accept it!!
Truly. The most caring, kind human you’ll ever find.
My daughter's second-grade teacher, Mrs. Maynard has made an incredible impact on her students by creating a classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn. She goes above and beyond every day to make learning engaging, hands-on, and meaningful while fostering kindness, confidence, and curiosity.
She recognizes each student's unique strengths and works tirelessly to help them succeed both academically and personally. Her patience, compassion, and dedication create a safe and welcoming environment where children are inspired to do their best.
Receiving this would directly benefit her students by providing additional resources and opportunities to enhance their learning experience. There is no one more deserving of this investment. She pours her heart into her classroom every single day, and her students are better because of it.
Lisa taught all three of my children at different grade levels, and the one consistency was that they loved waking up each morning and going to school! She maintains a perfect balance of high expectations and compassion in her classroom. My kids developed a love for reading and learning through her instruction and for that I am grateful beyond measure!
I could not agree with Mrs. Craine's comments more! I met Lisa in 2024 when I began as a substitute teacher. Our administrator placed me in her classroom to observe after orientation. Lisa was so welcoming and warm right from the start! I have since had the honor and pleasure of working with her as a colleague, and as a parent last year when my son was in her class. He was struggling to find his rhythm for a little while, and Lisa literally moved mountains to make him feel supported, accepted, and encouraged to keep smashing his goals and rising to the challenges of 2nd grade. His year would have been completely different if he has not been blessed to be in Lisa's class. I also got pulled into a long-term Title 1 position and was asked to hold parent-teacher conferences with the classroom teachers. Lisa openly praised the work I was doing with the students to the parents in those conferences. She was supportive and encouraging about the progress the students were making with here efforts in the classroom and my interventions in Title 1. I have been richly blessed to be mentored by such an amazing teacher. She has high expectations for herself, and does not give herself the credit she so deeply deserves - she just keeps raising the bar. I will be finishing my education degree soon, and I truly hope I can be half the teacher (and friend) that is the amazing Lisa Maynard.
Lisa Maynard is extremely caring and supportive. My son flourished in her class and she continues to be his favorite teacher years after his time there. She helped him come out of his shell and feel more confident in his abilities. She is kind yet challenging and only wants the best for her students. She is truly deserving of this nomination and the best choice for the award.
Mrs Maynard made kindergarten so magical for both my boys. She developed a deep love for school with both of them. They would always come home and talk about how she could hear their brains grow. We were then so lucky to have her again for second grade. She is the type of teacher you hope and pray your kids get. Going into 4th and 5th grade now, my boys eyes still light up when they see her. There is not enough words to explain the greatness she brings.
I can definitely say that Lisa is the best teacher my son has ever had. She was his kindergarten teacher, and we were thrilled when she moved to second grade and he had the opportunity to be in her class again. During those two years, we watched him grow academically, socially, and emotionally under her guidance. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering kindness made an incredible difference, and I truly believe her compassion helped our family through both school years.
I also have the privilege of working alongside Lisa, which has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the impact she has on her students every day. She takes the time to understand each child as an individual, recognizing their strengths while providing the extra support they need to succeed. Her genuine care, commitment, and ability to help every student feel valued make her an exceptional educator and a positive influence on everyone around her.
