LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Pamela Gray was nominated by a colleauge who wishes to remain anonymous.

In 2016, after many years in the classroom, Ms. Gray became the Special Education Director for Benton County School District. Special Education is a particularly demanding field due to the specific laws and regulations involved, as well as the personal and emotional issues that can be encountered. Through it all, Ms. Gray demonstrates compassion, knowledge, dedication and a creative spirit that she shares with teachers and students to help provide every child with the best possible education for their needs and abilities.

She is diligent in providing her teachers with the tools, equipment, and training they need to meet the needs of every student - from the gifted child who excels easily to the minimally functioning student who struggles through even basic tasks. She has made improvements to the self-contained classroom; built relationships with students, parents, and outside agencies that offer additional services; provided an additional teacher to one school without creating a negative impact on her budget; and developed a Behavioral Interventionist position to assist with discipline issues that can be unique and challenging in certain students.

"I recently had the opportunity to be with Ms. Gray when she ran into a former student in public. The young lady's face lit up with a smile, and she hugged Ms. Gray with genuine affection, which was immediately reciprocated. Even new students are instantly drawn to her nurturing, loving personality," the nominator said. "She is the epitome of a Life Changer, in every way!" 

Pamela Gray In The News:
Gray, Sanders nominated for LifeChanger of the Year award