LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sandra Kirkman was nominated by her colleague, Jenelle Jensen.

Ms. Kirkman is a LifeChanger. Every lesson she writes is educational, relevant to the real world, and exciting for students. She works with students who don't want to be in school, and she gets to know them so well that they turn out loving school and missing it when they are away. She brings in outside resources, uses real-life events, and incorporates science and math into almost everything she does. Ms. Kirkman is always meeting core standards and going above and beyond expectations inside and outside of the classroom.

"She has helped the students adapt to virtual learning in a way I didn't know was possible," said Jensen. "The classroom she runs feels like home, and the kids feel safe and loved there. She fights for student rights, even when it is difficult. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined in her classroom. I look forward to work every day because she has this magic with the students that makes our days full of learning and fun. She is constantly researching and learning about our students, their traumas, and their backgrounds. She's always communicating with their families, therapists, and community members to make their lives feel safe and nurtured. I couldn't be more proud to be her colleague."