LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Andrae Bowen was nominated by his colleague, Delna Bryan.

"When you get to a school, you can always tell the difference between a regular teacher and a master teacher," said Bryan. "Last year, when I arrived at Young Men's Leadership Academy at Fred Florence Middle School, I met one of those master teachers: Andrae Bowen. He was a caring, helpful, wonderful person to his peers. He helped those of us coming in to navigate the school for the first time."

The most important thing to Mr. Bowen is his students. He has strong relationships with his students, and they consider the gym to be "his gym." In addition to teaching physical education, Mr. Bowen is one of five football coaches. He coached the defensive line for the the eighth grade varsity team.

Mr. Bowen has been at his school for over ten years, and he knows the families in this inner city area of Dallas well. He can motivate students to do better in the classroom, as well as on the field. He treats each student with the respect and love they need so they can feel special.

"Coach Bowen lives by the Golden Rule: to whom much is given, much is required," said Bryan. "He is demonstrating this on campus!"