LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michael Ervin's nominator wishes to remain anonymous.

Mr. Ervin has served as the principal of a little charter school in Paradise, CA since 2010.

HomeTech Charter School is a K-12 personalized learning public school. Within the past seven years, Mr. Ervin has helped this school develop a quality program for families in Paradise and the surrounding communities.  Mr. Ervin has been an integral part of the vision, mission, creation and design of HomeTech Charter School.  

"HomeTech is unique, which is a direct reflection of his leadership. He has built a positive atmosphere for learning, where students take ownership of their education," his nominator said. 

Since joining the school, Mr. Ervin has hired an additional elementary school teacher and a school counselor. He has added high level math courses and more electives. Additionally, he led this school toward becoming an independent charter school. In 2016, HomeTech became a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited independent public charter school, enabling the school's graduates to attend four-year colleges and universities after graduation.

Just a month ago, HomeTech Charter moved to a beautiful, newly remodeled facility next door to the local Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Ervin consulted his staff members in designing the school site, which has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving institution with state of the art facilities.

"This move provided an opportunity for two outstanding agencies to collaborate and offer superior services for our community. Our campus is safe, welcoming, and friendly for students and families," the nominator said. 

HomeTech Charter School emphasizes communication between students, their school, and their families. Each student holds a one-on-one teacher/student meeting every week. Students receive full academic, social and emotional support, including intervention programs to target individual learning needs, a Credit Recovery program, and an Early Graduation program.

Throughout the past seven years, Mr. Ervin has quietly worked to bond the school community to their individual school experiences. He effortlessly blends his professional expertise with a creative and compassionate approach to helping students realize their full potential. Success classes are provided throughout the week for students to receive extra help when a teacher is needed, and comfortable student work areas provide a place for students to work on campus every week day.

"Mr. Ervin, along with his staff, provide a unique alternative to the traditional school setting, combining the benefits of independent study with a supportive classroom and campus experience," his nominator said. "The teachers, students and families who work with Mr. Ervin are fortunate. Because of him, HomeTech Charter School has become a place for all learners to achieve success. He is an inspiration to everyone he works with, and HomeTech has grown and thrived under his leadership."