LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Elizabeth Barkmann was nominated by her colleague, Ashlee Hendrix.

"Elizabeth has been teaching English Language Arts (ELA) for nine years. She is one of the best teachers I have ever, and will ever, come across," said Hendrix. "What I love most about Elizabeth is her exceptional ability to stimulate learning in students and add personality to the course content. All students can feel optimism and energy radiating from her teaching. Elizabeth also has a dynamic style of teaching that makes her students listen actively to her."

Ms. Barkmann not only teaches well, but she cares so much about the understanding of each student in her class. She is a genuine, personal, enthusiastic, optimistic individual who is willing to help students by going beyond the call of duty. She is an exceptional teacher who takes extra effort in ensuring that students in need of extra help are accommodated in her teaching, despite her busy schedule. Ms. Barkmann is also a master in the art of reaching struggling students with complete professionalism and simple, yet profound empathy.

Ms. Barkmann also spends time giving feedback on all assignments. She provides individualized feedback to every student concerning their strong and weak points. She's an excellent role model who shows devotion and selflessness to McAdams Junior High, her students, and her coworkers. Ms. Barkmann is a source of inspiration for many students. She inspires and positively impacts all the people she meets every day in her teaching profession. She is always up to date with the latest instructional technologies and teaching methodologies.

"Elizabeth has a calling for teaching," said Hendrix.