LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Bethany Jones was nominated by a colleague, Laura Tonkin.

Sometimes, you walk into a classroom and you can just feel the energy. You know that what happens in this classroom is great, so you stay for a while and walk around. This isn't just the typical classroom, it's different. But how? You look around and notice that the teacher isn't standing in front of the room, and the learners aren't just sitting in seats staring back blankly. Not in this classroom. This classroom is buzzing with excitement - the learners are moving, talking, creating, collaborating. This is true innovation.

This classroom is seventh grade Engineering and Designing, with Mrs. Jones as its fearless leader - the lead innovator, if you will. Mrs. Jones designed this class just for her learners. Without the timeless hours of sorting through curriculum, tapping into the needs of today's learners, and the constant creative mind of Mrs. Jones, this class simply would not exist. She's the kind of educator that doesn't just go with the flow. She creates for her learners and works hard to give them what they need: authentic learning experiences that have more impact in just one week than some experiences have in a lifetime.

Ms. Tonkin has had the pleasure of working along side Mrs. Jones for many years. While Mrs. Jones has always been a LifeChanger, it was when she created this course that her true passion was ignited, and she found her calling. Seventh grade Engineering and Design gives learners a place to take risks, test their creativity, and learn how to fail forward. This class is not just a class; it's a philosophy and a way of life.

"I have never seen such authentic learning occur so often than when I spend time with Mrs. Jones and her amazing learners.," Tonkin said. "And as a fellow educator, I have learned so much about how to teach and what's most important."

Mrs. Jones is one of those teachers that learners will remember, not only because her class is fun and engaging, but because she takes the time and care to connect with every single learner. She works hard to build skills that many of these kids would not otherwise develop until much later in life. She taps into their personal interests and inspires them to create something amazing. Most importantly, Mrs. Jones will not rest until every learner finds something that moves them. She will take time out of every day to work with groups on collaboration and personal relationships. She can see immediately when learners are struggling to work together or find a solution. She steps in and helps any type of learner, knowing that they will find success if they work together and find a way that best fits that learner. 

Mrs. Jones is a truly a LifeChanger. She will go down in history as one of the most inspiring, motivational educators to both learners and fellow colleagues.

"I feel lucky to spend my days just next door so that I pop in and absorb the energy from her classroom," Tonkin said. "She'll continue to help me be the best version of myself, and I know she's doing this for her learners. Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for being a LifeChanger to so many."