LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ellen Lavan was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Lavan is a teacher who you can approach with anything. She will say, "Sure." "Sure, it can be done." "Sure, I will help." "Sure, you will be successful at it." "Sure, I will do whatever is best for you, the school, and the students." No matter the situation, she always has a positive outlook and finds creative, non-traditional ways to approach and tackle it.

Ms. Lavan is not afraid to admit she doesn't know something, and she encourages people to learn about topics together, as she is also learning them herself. The more challenging something is, the more Ms. Lavan enjoys tackling it. She never takes the sideline approach and always jumps into everything and anything, giving it all she has got.

"When you are around her, never use the words: can't, discouraged, or give up, because her viewpoint to teaching and life is to never give up or stop trying," the nominator said. "There is always a way to get what you need done, as long as you put the effort into it."

Within minutes of meeting her and having a conversation, one can see what a genuine, kind hearted, dedicated teacher and individual she is. She has had - and continues to have - powerful and positive interactions with each and every one of her students and peers. She will leave her insightful imprint on the teaching profession for decades to come.