LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Warthan was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Warthan makes a profound difference in the lives of her students. She teaches music to students in grades pre-K through 8.

"One of the things I love is the way she keeps the wonder of music right up front for the students," explains her nominator. "They are learning hands-on as much as possible."

Ms. Warthan brings in recorded and live ensembles to help demonstrate musical styles and genres. She opens the door and invites students to express themselves musically and creatively. This approach keeps the students "fired up" to do more hands-on things and contribute more to the overall environment and atmosphere of the school. Ms. Warthan has also started a school choir and has held recorder club sessions.

On a professional level, Ms. Warthan is accomplished with her clarinet. She has gained skills with other instruments and continues to take lessons in guitar and piano to better her talents. She is currently working on completing her university program to gain her full DPI teaching license.  While she was an undergraduate music major, Ms. Warthan did not get educator's credentials. Since she has been teaching, however, she has discovered her love for the classroom and for the students. Ms. Warthan does this while maintaining her classroom curriculum, recorder and choir commitments, and helping with kitchen duties when not in the classroom. This has been no easy task; the original university where she was doing her program closed suddenly during the summer of 2020. She had to find a whole new program that would allow her to continue without losing all her credits. That is determination. That is professionalism. Ms. Warthan is also a part of performance ensembles in the La Crosse area that perform within the community.

As for leadership, Ms. Warthan leads by example. She models core virtues and expects students to live up to high standards.  She is always one to jump in and volunteer for tasks no one else wants to do. In short - she's a real team player.

Ms. Warthan spends countless hours working on curriculum and finding the best ways to present music to each age group. Her room is warm and inviting. She arranges it so it's conducive to the best hands-on learning for each grade level. She seeks help when needed.

Her ethical and moral standards are exceptional. She is always honest and straightforward. She puts forth her personal best and expects the best from her students.

"Jennifer Warthan is a LifeChanger and, in some ways, a life saver for some of her students. She gives her all, all the time. She is truly deserving of this award," said the nominator.