Susan Candow
Position: Intervention Specialist
School: Orchard STEM School
School District: Cleveland Metropolitan School District
City, State: Cleveland, OH
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Susan Candow was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Candow tries to make the classroom welcoming by having plants, animals, and an inviting room. She teaches special education students and tries to provide things they may need, such as hygiene supplies, snacks, and school supplies. Ms. Candow strives to make learning fun.
Sue is the true definition of a LifeChanger! ❤️ I feel so fortunate to know such an incredible, compassionate, and selfless person. Sue doesn’t just teach her students; she builds their confidence, opens doors to new experiences, and helps them see all that they are capable of becoming. She goes above and beyond to make every child feel valued and included. Her kindness extends far beyond the classroom, and she gives so much of herself to others without ever expecting anything in return.
A true life changer is someone who sees potential in every child, even when others may only see challenges. Sue goes above and beyond every day to ensure that students with disabilities feel valued, supported, included, and capable of achieving success.
What makes Sue truly special is her ability to meet students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally while encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. With patience, compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication, she creates an environment where every student feels safe, accepted, and empowered to learn.
Being a special education teacher requires more than teaching academic skills. It requires being an advocate, a problem solver, a mentor, and sometimes a student’s biggest cheerleader. Sue embraces each of these roles wholeheartedly, celebrating even the smallest victories because she understands how meaningful those accomplishments are.
Sue’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, she helps build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Throughout my life, I have never met such a person as Sue. Her love of animals and children has been a life long event.. not something that just started one day. It was instilled in her from the very start. I only know this because I have had the honor of knowing her and her family for many years and this nomination couldn't be for a better person. She has a gift with animals and people, the type of person who can see beyond the outer shell.. a person who cares about others before herself and seeks no recognition for any of it. In fact praising her or patting her on the back takes her right out of her comfort zone. Any words I attempt to use in describing her will fall short because just being in her presence is an experience you have to witness yourself. I know nothing of any other of the nominees listed and I'm sure they're deserving as well, but if this award is for uniqueness and selflessness.. Then Sue Candow could be the only choice. I have walked the earth for 53 years and have never met anyone so caring, kind, and selfless.
I can't think of anyone else who goes above and beyond like Dr Candow. When it comes to selfless caring for others, she always wants to help.
She truly does care about her students and wants a better life for them.
Dr. Candow is the teacher every parent would want their child to have. Holding a National Board Certification, she considers the whole child when planning lessons, ensuring academics are tailored to meet each student's unique needs.
Additionally, she provides enriching life experiences for her students- from horseback riding and theater trips to classroom pets and fitness programs. She is a lifelong learner who constantly researches new ways to improve her craft, while also mentoring teachers across the district to share her expertise and learn from others. Her students truly thrive because of her dedication.
Dr Candow is a dedicated and compassionate teacher with CMSD who goes above and beyond to provide her students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Through therapeutic horseback riding, classroom pets, and community field trips, she creates unique opportunities for her students to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and gain independence.
Can not even begin to say what a selfless caring person Sue is. She has always helped those in need and even ones who didn’t. She helps all special needs kids and adults in any way she can professionally and personally. She treats them like any other person. When we were younger, she would take me to visit at places she worked and thought me the special ones are just like everyone else I have met. Opened my eyes to the beauty in everyone whether they are different or just like me. She would visit even not on duty. Just to say hi.
She is also a lover of animals and helps them too. Volunteered in shelters for years and provided a home to many that were not adoptable. Those animals found a home in her. I can go on and on. I am a better person having this amazing person in my life. Very lucky to have her in my life.
#Lcoy Susan Candow is a kindred spirit and a good hearted soul that has a special touch as a teacher and is very exceptional at what she does for children.
I have known Dr. Candow most of my life. I cannot think of a single person that goes above and beyond for their students like Dr. Candow does. She truly wants to see her students succeed. She tries to make learning fun and comfortable for her students by bringing animals into the classroom for teaching opportunities. Dr. Candow shows compassion and patience with everything she does in and outside of the classroom. She is always willing to help others and will go out of her way to do so. The time she dedicates to her students is truly remarkable. Dr. Candow is a Lifechanger because she truly effects the lives of her students in such a positive caring way.
For 25 years Sue Klein Candow was an integral part of our family team as an independent caregiver for our special needs daughter. Sue was dependable, caring, and patient. She was willing to share her knowledge and understanding of special needs people to help us better support and understand our daughter.
With her support we were able to enjoy much-needed respite weekly, weekends, vacations, and an emergency now and then.
She was a personal Life Changer for us from day one and deserves recognition for her devotion to helping so many others.
Dr. Candow is an amazing teacher! She has been my son’s teacher the last 2 school years. The way she cares for her students makes me so happy that she is my son’s teacher. She goes above and beyond for her students. She brings animals in the classroom and even gets them in programs for horseback riding and so many other things. My son has made so much progress being her student. Truly makes my heart happy to have someone like her teaching him! She is so deserving of this recognition and I truly hope she gets it!
I have known Dr. Candow most of my life. I cannot think of a single person that goes above and beyond for their students like Dr. Candow does. She truly wants to see her students succeed. Dr. Candow tries to make learning fun and comfortable for her students by bringing animals into the classroom for teaching opportunities. She shows compassion and patience with everything she does in and outside of the classroom. Dr. Candow is always willing to help others and has always been this way. The time she dedicates to her students is truly remarkable. Dr Candow is a LifeChanger because she shows compassion, integrity, and respect in everything she does. She creates the learning experience all students deserve!
Sue is an amazing teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her in two different roles. The first was as a group therapist running weekend groups for children in residential placement. Sue always showed up and gave her all, under the most challenging circumstances, exhibiting compassion and dedication when the kids needed it most. Then I had the pleasure of working with Sue the teacher for a student I was providing home based services to. Sue has a wholistic approach and understands the importance of collaboration across all domains that impact a child and their family. Sue is always thinking about how she can help and what she can do to make things better for someone else. She’s the best.
I am honored to know Dr. Susan Candow! She is one of the most compassionate, talented, hardworking, intelligent, and patient teachers I have ever known!! What stands out most is how much she cares. Her dedication to her students is selfless, and she brings both her knowledge and her heart to the work that she does.
As an intervention specialist, Sue’s patience and compassion are especially meaningful. She understands that students have different needs and that progress takes time, encouragement, and someone willing to keep working alongside them.
Sue’s kindness extends beyond her students. She is a caring friend and colleague, and her love for animals reflects the same compassionate spirit. Caring for others is part of who she is, and it shows in the dedication she gives to those around her.
I deeply admire Sue for the person she is and the teacher she continues to be. The work she does requires so much, yet she gives of herself with commitment and care. She deserves to be recognized for the difference she makes and for the humanity she brings to education. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the title LifeChanger of the Year!!
Dr. Candow is an amazing person. She is very caring of other people. She always assist when needed in various school projects to support her students and colleagues. We have gone on various field trips we our special needs students together. I appreciate her!
As someone who has seen firsthand the incredible dedication Sue brings to her work every single day, I can confidently say she is a true “Life Changer.”She constantly goes above and beyond for her students, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment tailored for children with a variety of needs. Her greatest quality, however, is her heart. Sue is remarkably selfless, compassionate, and caring. She will drop everything to help others and consistently puts everyone else's needs before her own. I have never met anyone more deserving of this recognition.
As someone who has seen firsthand the incredible dedication Sue brings to her work every single day, I can confidently say she is a true “Life Changer.”She constantly goes above and beyond for her students, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment tailored for children with a variety of needs. Her greatest quality, however, is her heart. Sue is remarkably selfless, compassionate, and caring. She will drop everything to help others and consistently puts everyone else's needs before her own. I have never met anyone more deserving of this recognition.
As someone who has seen firsthand the incredible dedication Sue brings to her work every single day, I can confidently say she is a true “Life Changer.”She constantly goes above and beyond for her students, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment tailored for children with a variety of needs. Her greatest quality, however, is her heart. Sue is remarkably selfless, compassionate, and caring. She will drop everything to help others and consistently puts everyone else's needs before her own. I have never met anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Sue is one of the most extraordinary, caring and compassionate people I have ever met. I have known Sue for more than 40 years and her generosity never ceases to amaze me. From being a teacher to caring for numerous animals, she consistently gives her time, money, and support to everyone in need!
Susan Candow is the Best Teacher I have met. She loves her school students. I was in her class rooms several times. She is amazing. Susan has a love for her teaching profession that is so awesome.
Susan has been a dedicated Special Education teacher and mentor for many years. I’ve known her for seven years and have seen her transform the lives of students through exposure to meaningful educational and social/emotional learning experiences. Dr. Candow collaborates with and mentors other teachers within the district and is tireless in her pursuit of personal growth and development within her profession. As if that weren’t enough, Sue loves animals and introduces her students to the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership via the variety of cuddly creatures in her classroom.
I have worked with Dr. Candow for the past 8 years and she has always put her students first. She provides her students with great real life experiences outside of the classroom, such as horseback riding, going to plays, and a ton of field trips. Sue prioritizes her students and makes unique curriculum for them!
Dr. Candow is a very caring and giving person to her students and her colleagues. She is always willing to help anyone that needs it. She goes out of her way to do special things for the children in her care from a wide arrange of classroom pets to fun and amazing field trips!
Shouting out my colleague, Dr. Sue Candow! Sue goes above and beyond for her students. She doesn't just teach academics, she nurtures the whole child. She incorporates therapeutic horse back riding, classroom pets, theatre experiences, fitness programs, gardening and composting (and so much more!) to create meaningful experiences that help her special needs students learn, grow, connect and thrive.
There just aren’t enough words of praise for, how much she has been more than an educator. My autistic daughter made so much progress and learned so much from Mrs. Candow.
Susan Candow was my teacher since I was in second grade and 7 years old. All I can say is she always will be such a markable teacher!! She has taught me so much in the past years I don’t think I would have known without her. She deserves this!!! I truly do feel blessed that she was my teacher.
Dr. Candow is an amazing part of our staff at Orchard STEM school in Cleveland, Ohio. She brings innovative learning and life skills to her students. Dr. Candow is always looking to enhance student growth by advocating for them! Congratulations on your nomination! We are proud you are part of our school!
Sue is definitely a life changer. She is THE kindest person to everyone. Sue goes out of her way to make sure those around her are well taken care of and loved from her family at home to her family at school. She is a lover of animals and nature and is always looking for new opportunities to expose those she loves to those things. She is a true friend and I am proud that she has been nominated, well, well deserved.
Sue Klein Candow has a true passion for teaching; to her, it is far more than just a job or a career. Her deep concern and the selfless time she dedicates to her students make her impact undeniable.
Congratulations Ms Klein U are a great teacher. You helped me learn a lot in school and how to take care of animals
Dr. Sue is an exceptional educator who exemplifies outstanding teaching and leadership. She is intelligent, kind, compassionate, giving, and resourceful. Her leadership is truly top-tier, and she consistently upholds the highest standards of excellence in her classroom.
Sue’s love of teaching is evident in everything she does. She goes above and beyond to create a positive, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Her creative use of animals in the classroom and field trips is a wonderful example of her dedication to meeting the unique needs of her students. Through these meaningful interactions, she helps students develop compassion, responsibility, confidence, and valuable learning skills.
We worked together for over 10 years, and I witness first hand the dedication she shows towards her students. She leads with kindness, maintains high expectations, and inspires those around her through her dedication and her genuine love of teaching.
Sue is truly deserving of this nomination. Her exceptional leadership, innovative teaching methods, and unwavering commitment to her students make her an extraordinary educator who deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
I miss working with her everyday, and seeing her beautiful smile.
Sue is the most dedicated, loving, and compassionate teacher there is! She provides her students so many enriching experiences and all the extra love they need and deserve!
Sue Candow gives her heart and soul to teaching special education stufents. Sue is very innovative. She regularly brought her trained German shepherd to school so that her students could read to him without fear of failure. Her students have kept in contact with her even as they have graduated from high school.Sue’s students know that she will always be there to support them.
Susan is an outstanding educator. She has a strong passion for teaching that is evident daily in the lessons she creates and the experiences she provides for her students. Ms. Candow is caring and patient. Her classroom is warm and welcoming. Susan makes every child feel special by meeting their individual needs. Susan exemplifies what it mean's to change the lives of others. She does it every day in her classroom.
Susan is an outstanding educator. She has a strong passion for teaching that is evident daily in the lessons she creates and the experiences she provides for her students. Ms. Candow is caring and patient. Her classroom is warm and welcoming. Susan makes every child feel special by meeting their individual needs. Susan exemplifies what it mean's to change the lives of others. She does it every day in her classroom.
Sue is an amazing educator. She always goes out of her way to make sure her students have what they need to be successful. She also makes sure that she helps her colleagues. She is willing to share her vast knowledge and does so with a smile. She is simply one of the best special educators I have had the pleasure of working with!
Sue is a top teacher. She provides consistent challenging instruction for her students. She makes her classroom warm, welcoming, and delightful. A student that has her for a teacher experiences an enjoyable education.
As a fellow intervention specialist, I know firsthand how much heart, patience, advocacy, and dedication this job requires—and Sue brings all of that and more to her students every single day. She has such a genuine ability to connect with her students, meet them where they are, celebrate their successes, and remind them of what they are capable of. She doesn’t just teach; she builds confidence, advocates fiercely for her students, and makes them feel seen and valued. I have so much respect for the educator she is and the difference she makes every day. She is truly an amazing teacher and so deserving of this recognition!
As a fellow intervention specialist, I know firsthand how much heart, patience, advocacy, and dedication this job requires—and Sue brings all of that and more to her students every single day. She has such a genuine ability to connect with her students, meet them where they are, celebrate their successes, and remind them of what they are capable of. She doesn’t just teach; she builds confidence, advocates fiercely for her students, and makes them feel seen and valued. I have so much respect for the educator she is and the difference she makes every day. She is truly an amazing teacher and so deserving of this recognition!
Sue is an excellent educator. She is always looking for opportunities, classes, field trips and grants in the community for her students such as horse back riding therapy, Theatre, orchestra, and so much more. She also invites other mainstream classes to join her class. Sue is a child and animal advocate, she never gives up a cause.
Sue Candow has offered a great deal to her students over the past several years. She prepares these special needs children to be successful in the world. She provides opportunities to practice these strategies to be successful. Her classroom is filled with living things that the students care for and appreciate. Her animals volunteer times of affection for the students. She is an exceptional educator and very much deserves this recognition.
Sue was a colleague of mine for many years and she is one of the finest teachers I know. She always puts her students first and truly cares about them as students but also people. She arranges so many wonderful experiences for her students to participate in and change their lives that it would be fitting that she should be granted a life changer award!
I worked with Sue Klein for years at Orchard School and it was a joy. She was always nice and pleasant no matter what. She was always willing to help anyone with anything! She loved and still love her scholars and was always doing things for them, taking them on many, many field trips, exposing them to places & things they may not have ever experienced, treating them, bringing in her pets to have in her room to help the scholars cope and enjoy them. I even enjoyed the pets by visiting her room often. Even though I’m retired I still have communication with Sue. She’s a true gem. The school system and the scholars are blessed to have her!!
Ms. Candow is the most patient person I've ever met! She always puts her student's needs first.
