LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amber Valcin was nominated by a family member, LaVonne Valcin.

Ms. Valcin is a a young, enthusiastic teacher who is making a difference in the lives of her students. One of these students is a child she taught last year who was accustomed to everyone giving up on him, including his family. Ms. Valcin developed a healthy rapport with this student by showing him he was "special to someone and could actually accomplish anything he wanted." His dream of becoming an astrophysicist began to soar again in spite of having been labeled as a “bad” and special education child. His grades improved, and he was able to master academic concepts without the use of instructional accommodations that were in place primarily due to behavioral problems. At the end of the school year, Ms. Valcin made a graduation pact with this student, and she still continues to check on him to ensure he is going down the right path. His mother was very thankful for Ms. Valcin's intervention, and he is continuing to make high grades and believe in himself.