LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Anna Savino was nominated by her colleague, Maria Schembri.

Ms. Savino is an inclusive English teacher, mentor, friend, and curriculum specialist. She has taught for sixteen years throughout the state of California. During this time, she has been a LifeChanger for many students and peers. 

Ms. Savino attended Cal State Fullerton, where she received her B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development. Then, she went to National University and earned her Masters of Education in Cross-Cultural Teaching. Originally, she became a teacher because she did not fit into the standard educational mold. She wanted to help students like herself thrive while learning in their unique ways. She has a deep understanding of the multiple intelligences, and she knows how to scaffold and reach all students.

Ms. Savino is constantly attending professional development workshops. She integrates restorative practices daily, and her room is a place where students love to go. Her classroom environment is colorful, lively and energetic. Students feel safe to be vulnerable and open to learning because she treats them with respect and love. She often incorporates movement, theater and music. She has her students perform many of the texts, and she has hosted karaoke parties after school in her classroom to celebrate her students and make learning fun. In addition, Ms. Savino was recently chosen by WeWork to have her classroom remodeled. The students chose the designs and participated in all steps of the remodel. 

One of her students has taken her lessons to the next level. She inspired him and helped him author three books, including Change The World. He also has a TED Talk, and she attends and supports all of his events. She helps him network and find events to participate in that promote his creative ideas related to making the world a better place. 

Ms. Savino actively participates in professional development opportunities, including Teaching with a SMILE and Say Cheese! An Artisan Approach to Education. She is a teacher induction mentor and attends multiple trainings with her mentees. She is also a Guide Teacher for SDSU and an ELD curriculum specialist for her district.

Ms. Savino also has multiple personal blogs and projects. The Grow Home Together Project helps adults heal from their past traumas. Well-Cultured Perspectives is a site she created where she posts blogs and discussion forums. This site helps people share perspectives with one another related to topics that help people grow emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. Her topics include bridging the gender gap and becoming well-cultured. She has also volunteered at her church for many years and has helped many people through her service.

"Anna is an incredible human being and LifeChanger. All that know her are better as a result of the experience," said Schembri.