Amanda Reynolds was nominated by her colleague, Jennifer Lemoine.
Ms. Reynolds is the teacher every middle schooler hopes will be at the front of their classroom on day one! She's passionate, kind, empathetic, creative, and funny! Ms. Reynolds builds lasting relationships with her students and continues to stay in contact with them for years after they have left her classroom. She continues to provide them with a safe place and a caring heart to guide them through all of the hurdles life throws their way. She is the teacher who students never forget because of the lasting impact she makes.
One of her known quotes is: "If you need to change your nature, go to nature." She embodies this with her students, finding ways to not only bring nature into her classroom, but to take her students outdoors to work on their social and emotional needs and mindfulness.
"One of my favorite stories from her classroom involves getting eighth grade girls involved in taking care of their own plants. Not only did the girls become involved in learning about the plants, but they learned valuable lessons about empathy and compassion. Hearing her talk about the impact that a few plants had on her girls' attitudes about school, themselves, and others is inspirational," said Lemoine.
Ms. Reynolds is a life-long learner who is working toward a doctoral degree so she can be the best teacher for her students. She's passionate about gifted students and works to advocate for their academic and social needs in her school and district, as well as at the national level. She presents at conferences annually and provides opportunities within her district to coach others. Ms. Reynolds is always looking for new ways to provide the best instruction for her students. She's a culturally responsive teacher who works to make all students feel safe and welcome in her classroom.
Ms. Reynolds is not only a wonderful teacher and fierce advocate, but a supportive colleague. She inspires those around her to be innovative, creative, and passionate educators who build relationships with students.
"I have witnessed her impact on many other professionals in the field of education. We need more professionals willing to give back to the profession the way Amanda does. She is always willing to jump in and help or offer a listening ear," said Lemoine.
Ms. Reynolds is already a LifeChanger because she has had a lasting impact on so many of her students' lives. She has a heart for teaching and will have a very successful career impacting the lives of everyone who has the pleasure to know her.
Ms.Reynolds’s was my teacher and coach in the 7th grade. She was not only kind and fair, but she was also fun! She was the teacher you looked forward to seeing walking into school. Basketball was not one of my strong suits but she was always encouraging and supportive while I was learning and challenging myself with something new. It has been over a decade since she had been my teacher but she is one of those people that never leave your heart. Ms.Reynolds’s has stayed in touch over the years because that’s the kind of person she is, her presence and support is always felt.
LifeChanger of the year nominee. Wow!! Just being nominated speaks volumes of how much Amanda is revered in her chosen profession. Her dedication to teaching and passion for education in general is only partly seen in how she pursues her own studies to become better at what she does. But the way she focuses on her students and the extra length she will go to see them perform to their best is where she shines. Truly a devoted and amazing person with an attitude that inspires.
You have an amazing ?? for the kids and it shows Amanda! Your passion for education radiates! ??
Was one of my favorite teachers that I’ve had in eighth grade at Prairie middle school, very Motivated to teachers and also very understanding when she would see one of our students have an issue, whether it was personal or issues with an excitement.
Amanda Reynolds is an amazing soul. When I was little I enjoyed going to English as she made it that much more exciting. Always a smile and always full of joy. She loved her kids. We use to crack jokes about the day she got engaged. She’ll have to tell you one day. Moving to the future she still strives in her teaching career and I applaud. Happily as ever, I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher figure growing up! I hope for the best and she continues to empower other people like she did me! Thanks!
Amanda Reynolds was one of my daughter's teachers when she 1st started Prairie Middle school. Amanda's kindness, her generosity, and her heart for students, really created an amazing learning experience for my daughter, well into her now high school years. Amanda teaches from a servant's heart and a mother's heart wrapped in one. She is kind, considerate, generous, professional, insightful, innovative, creative and just all around amazing . If every child had a teacher like Amanda Reynolds, the learning deficits in our schools would be completely eliminated. She is one of the best of the best!!
I have known Mrs. Amanda Reynolds for over 10 years, and it is no surprise to me that she has been nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Amanda is truly one-of-a-kind! As many others have commented, she works effortlessly to create a learning space that is safe and supportive and where learning is the focus. She sees students are whole, three-dimensional human beings and in middle school, students crave belonging and to be seen and valued. Students that are lucky to have her as their gifted and talented teacher will find their place in her classroom and in her heart.
Amanda has the most genuine spirit. What makes her so relatable is her sense of humor. She is 100% hilarious! This is an important quality in a middle school environment because the humor she brings reduces stress and tears down walls. However, she has found the perfect balance between humor, healthy boundaries, and academic rigor. Showing up as her authentic self, Amanda shows her students that it is more than acceptable to be their true selves as well.
When I read the LifeChanger’s mission, vision, and values statements, undoubtedly, Mrs. Amanda Reynolds embodies every aspect. She does not gloat, nor boast; she is the epitome of humble. Her advocacy for students and continuous professional learning to be the best teacher she can for all students is what makes her a standout and stand-up educator.
Reading through all these comments, it is clear Amanda is an amazing educator. Amanda, it is no surprise how many lives you have touched. You are a super teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Amanda for over 3 years. Every interaction I have with her inspires me to not only become a better teacher, but also to become a better person.
One of the greatest memories I have with her is helping a former student get accepted into a specialized high school. This application was no joke. It required essays, digital portfolios, letters of recommendations, and interview preparation. Every day for over a month, Amanda would give up her plan time and/or lunch time to help that student work. My favorite memory of this time was the day I walked into our news studio and found Amanda and that student practicing for the interview as if it was a news broadcast. Props and all. This student was incredibly nervous going into the application process, but Amanda helped ease their stress by being positive, upbeat and driven towards success. That student was accepted to their dream school and is forever grateful to Amanda for all her hard work and her endless support.
I had the wonderful opportunity of having Mrs Reynolds as my teacher back in sixth grade.
I never really been into English class and I wasn’t good at it all. But going to Mrs Reynolds class was a highlight of my week. I remember every Monday we would to a Jersey day to start off the week. Which would always be a great way to start off the week. She would listen to what I needed help with in writing and help so I could improve.
Not only was she a great teacher but an amazing person, I played club basketball at the time and she would always ask how the sport was going and when I would play to see if you could make a game. Mrs Reynolds is extraordinary and she’s had a great impact in my life.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to watch Amanda grow from her student teaching years to her current position as a teacher with the Gifted and Talented program at Prairie Middle School. I am delighted she has been nominated for this award.
I agree whole heartedly with Amanda's colleague, Jennifer Lemoine. Amanda exemplifies the best of educators. Amanda has always put students first as she tirelessly has worked to make sure all students learn. She truly is a "life changer"!
Amanda cares about colleagues and students. I was lucky enough to meet her when she earned her 200 hour Breathe for Change certification. She uses what she learned to help others use mindfulness to support emotional well-being in and out of the classroom.
I don’t think there’s anything that isn’t amazing about Amanda. She goes above and beyond in her classroom and then goes home to continue to educate and empower her three amazing kiddos. I can honestly say I took so much from her routines and use them as my ‘bible’ for raising my own children.
Her ambition is something to admire. The way she continues to advocate for her students long after they leave her classroom is heart warming. From collecting donations for students who becomes moms, even offering rides to doctors appointments and everything in between it’s truly inspirational.
There’s not a teacher more deserving of an award. What an honor to be nominated!
It is my absolute pleasure to see that Amanda Reynolds is nominated for this award. As a new teacher, she befriended me and has been an exceptional friend all these years. The amount I’ve learned from her is incalculable.
The love that she has for her students and colleagues is beyond words. Her students feel safe to read and write, safe to struggle in her classroom, and they feel safe to be themselves with her.
I can’t imagine a teacher more deserving of this award.
Amanda and I taught together for a number of years and she is an amazing teacher. She is so thoughtful about her students and their learning. She has always taught students who are at risk and often marginalized, giving them the absolute best education every day. I dare say that she has saved kids’ lives over the years.
Mrs. Reynold’s was my 7th grade English teacher back in 2009 and she will always be one of the teachers that I’ll remember the most. She truly loves her job and most importantly her students. I would spend almost every day during my recess break with her. During that time, we built such a strong connection and bond with each other. She made sure her classroom was a safe space and it always felt like home to me when I was there. She is an amazing teacher!!
Amanda Reynolds was an excellent teacher and that will always be my opinion of her. She was great, she helped me with my speech competition, and even though I am done with high school now I will always remember her because she was a great teacher. Thank you Amanda, I will always remember you because of my speech competition and how you were always there for me to talk to.
Mrs. Reynolds taught me about 12 years ago I think, 7th grade if I’m not mistaken. I was living in an abusive household at the time and school was my escape. My favorite class was English (or whatever it was referred to) with Mrs. Reynolds, who we knew as Ms. Mann. Unfortunately, my family moved every 6-12 months so I left before the year was over and I was devastated, Mrs. Reynolds had become a safe space for me. I developed dissociative identity disorder as a child and for a long time I couldn’t distinguish which school was in which place or had which teachers because we moved so often, but I always remembered Mrs. Reynolds. I believe she checked in on me every so often for a while, and then it had been a couple years since I’d spoken with her and we happened to pass each other in a gas station. I immediately went looking for her Facebook to message her and see if it was really her, I was so excited! Amanda stayed in contact with me through my high risk pregnancy and supported me beautifully as I had no family in the state anymore. Amanda actually brought me to my last ultrasound which was the day before my scheduled c-section, and they found that I was having contractions and sent me to the hospital. My then husband didn’t arrive for like 6-7 hours, and the doctors waited for him, so Amanda waited with me. She had her two young kiddos with her and still insisted on staying until I had someone else there to support me, she wouldn’t leave me alone. I am so grateful to her for that. I proceeded to basically live in the nicu for the next 4 months or so and Amanda was the only person who visited my baby and I there. I love her very much and her role as a teacher made a huge impact on my life.
It's been a long time since I was taught by Mrs Reynolds. However, I still remember my seventh grade year primarily because of her. She guided me into my soon-to-be profession of nursing, was and is such a kind, caring soul that genuinely cares for her students; not only within her profession, but be cause they're human beings as well. She was one of the teachers I had from my K-12 years that I will forever remember.
Mrs. Reynolds is currently my GT advisory teacher. Although she has only been my teacher for a year, I know that she will go down in "history", if you will, as one of my all time favorite teachers. She always finds a way to relate with and interact with her students in a way that helps us feel comfortable and safe. I know that for many, she has been a big support for them no matter what they need. Mrs. Reynolds is a great teacher and overall, and amazing human being.
Mrs. Reynolds changed my life. She provided me with security and safeness when things at home were hectic. She was my emotional anchor all throughout middle school. I knew her positive attitude was something that would never change, and something that I could hold onto when everything around me was changing from the transition to high school, my friends, my grades, my family. Mrs. Reynolds made me feel safe. She’s everything I look for in a mentor, and I love her like my second mother.
I have had the amazing opportunity to work with Amanda both in the classroom and out. I cannot begin to describe how much I have learned from her. Amanda exceeds in meeting the needs of all learners and her ability to form connections and relationships with all learners is unmatched. I have lost count of the number of students who have come back to visit and reached out to Amanda to tell her how much of an impact she has had on their lives and continues to have. Amanda has also changed the lives of many educators by mentoring and advocating for them and continually sharing all of her amazing ideas and supporting them in their classrooms. There is not a teacher who is more worthy of this nomination! Our school community is extremely fortunate to have Mrs. Reynolds and her wealth of knowledge. I am beyond thankful for the impact that Amanda has had on me professionally and personally.
Ms. Reynolds is the most kind hearted person ive ever associated with. She continuously tries to push me to do my best and is always there when I need a helping hand. Shes always looking out for me and is always there when I need someone to talk to. She is the best teacher Ive ever had.
Ms. Reynolds continually strives to become better for her students! She is consistently reaching out trying to learn more about speaking Spanish. Ms. Reynolds is the best teacher out there!
Mrs. Reynolds is the teacher that is there for anything in school or out, she advocates for her students when they can't speak up for themselves and will always make the time to help you with things, I was gonna be put in a class I really didn't want for this year and she talked to the teacher to make it so I wouldn't have to take the same class 2 years in a row even though I passed with a 3 Bs and an A for the four quarters. She is the first person I ask for book recommendations and she would always have all of the best books of every genre in her library. She makes class fun and interacts with all the students while still teaching in a way students can learn, she understands not all students learn the same and makes sure everyone has a good environment to learn in. She is a very approachable and caring person who makes a amazing teacher, everyone who has ever had the pleasure to have Mrs. Reynolds as a teacher would agree she deserves this award.
Mrs. Reynolds is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She has helped me so much throughout middle school and in life. She encourages me in whatever I do. In middle school, I felt awkward and out of place so when I met Mrs. Reynolds she changed my perspective on myself and made me feel welcome in school. I entered high school this year, and I feel better than ever. I feel I was prepared because of her. She taught me how to cope with my never-ending anxiety, helped me out of my shell, and helped me make new friends (it was hard for me but worth it!) I have used what she has taught me every day. I wish I could go back in time and have her as my teacher again, or that she would come work at the high school. She made learning fun and would always listen to what I had to say (even if it was just nonsense.) I am so grateful that Mrs. Reynolds is in my life. Even though she is not my teacher anymore, she still checks in with me and talks with me, she helps me out with any problems I have. She makes me feel like I matter. I remember how she use to let me eat lunch with her every day even when she was busy, so I would have someone to talk and eat with. She is so friendly to every student, teacher, and person. She gave me the confidence to do what I love and I am thankful for that. She is such a sweet person and I can't imagine what my life would be like without her in it.
Mrs. Reynolds is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She let me do fun activities even though I missed them because of being sick all the time. She also calls us really inclusive names like, "my lovelies" and such that make us feel a lot closer as a group! She's is an amazing and nice teacher and I'm very thankful for her. She also put in so much effort to get me into GT after four years of being stuck in the talent pool. She 100% deserves this award in my opinion. I really hope she wins!
Anyways, thank you-
M.H
Mrs. Reynolds is one of those teachers that really make you want to learn. She should honestly be the prototype for a lot of teachers; she made it engaging, interesting and actually made it feel like she was there for us not to get a check or a promotion. Mrs. Reynolds is one of those teachers that make a plan but changes it to fit the group. She had so much patience for all of us even when most sane people would have snapped. I could never be more grateful for her having a impact on my life.
She is truly one of the most genuinely amazing people I’ve ever met. I could go on for hours complimenting her but let’s stick to the point. She really has changed my life when I went into her classroom I was in the thick of one of the worst mental states I’ve ever ever fallen into and she not only taught me to love language arts but helped me enjoy life and find happiness. She got me into a speech contest and supported me so much and motivated me and led me to do quite well. But this was more than some contest this taught me to have some confidence in trying new things and has helped me find some love for this world and the beautiful things it has to offer. She took a little depressed 7th grader and helped them find themselves and the best friends they have ever had and the best mentor and school mom anyone could ask for. Thank you Ms. Reynolds. I love you.
Mrs. Reynolds is the kindest, most loving teacher I have ever had. I got the opportunity to have her as my teacher throughout middle school, and I could not be more grateful. She is such an amazing teacher and I cannot begin to explain the countless times she has helped me with all kinds of different situations. No matter how full her schedule is, she always makes time to comfort and support her students. She has taught me so much and had such a huge impact on my life. I owe a big part of my improvement as a student and person to her because the things she has taught me have stayed and will stay with me forever. Mrs. Reynolds has a heart of gold and she always focuses on educating her students while also caring so much for them. I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for me. Mrs. Reynolds is simply the greatest teacher I have ever met, and she truly deserves all the best!
I already submit a comment, but I forgot about books!! Mrs. Reynolds always had the best book recommendations. I hated reading before my 7th grade year with her. In her class, she was able to make me read because she would discuss books with me. Connecting to literature is so much easier when you have an interested teacher not only guiding you but also reading with you. I remember she had a book reading challenge board where we would post the titles we had read, and I read over 30 books that year with her. Again, she is amazing!!
Mrs. Reynolds is one of the best teachers AND coaches I’ve ever had. She is a person who gives her heart and souls to her students and someone who even 12 years later remains a guide in my life. I was an awkward middle schooler who didn’t know where I fit in, and Mrs. Reynolds helped me to find my place, love myself, and she even taught me a little about English and basketball too!! I spent almost every day in her room for lunch because I felt out of place with peers, and while I don’t have proof, I am pretty sure she stared a drawing club just so I would have a place to meet friends. She is the perfect middle school teacher because she takes those hard, weird, awkward middle years, makes them not only bearable, but fun. She lets students know they aren’t alone, which is something many students need. She is an amazing person, and her students are incredibly lucky to have her in their corner. If I ever have kids, I’m going to make sure they have Mrs. Reynolds as there teacher. She deserves this award and so much more. “I heart your face,” Mrs. Reynolds!!!
Mrs. Reynolds is my current teacher and is the only teacher I’ve actually had a close connection with. She’s pushed me to become the best version of myself and continues to do so. She’s one of the only adults in our building that really advocates for mental well-being and shining light on cultural things. She makes connections with her students that make it feel like she’s not only just your teacher but someone who you can rely on. I could spend hours discussing important matters or just things as simple as books with her. She’s reliable, caring, and never fails to make her students feel comfortable and at ease. I’m very grateful to have her as a teacher and as a mentor and I will truly never forget what an impact she has made on my life.
Mrs. Reynolds is the hardest working teacher I know. She cares deeply for her students, both at school and in their personal life. She wants them to succeed in both and takes a unique “connect to nature” approach to help ensure that they do! She is always available to her students for anything and is actively involved in many clubs and programs. She is amazing and sets the bar for what all teachers should strive to be!
Mrs. Reynolds was the best!!! I had her over 7 years ago and I still think about her humanities class all the time. All of my friends and I loved her and she made all of us feel so welcome and really treated us like we were adults and not children.
Mrs.Reynolds is an amazing outstanding teacher!! I’m 25 and I had her when I was in 7th grade. She is one of the few teachers I still interact with every so often! She is one of the reasons I am who I am today. She played a big role in me continuing on the right path and still cheers on from the other side of the screen!
She is one of the few teachers that I have on social media that will comment and congratulate on all successes that come up! I really appreciate her on continuing to believe and motivate me from the other side of the screen ????
Definitely deserves this award 110%
Mrs. Reynolds is an amazing teacher! She is always there to help you in or out of the classroom and doesn’t hesitate to do more than she needs to. Like staying after school to help with a speech or talking to your teachers when you’re struggling and can’t speak up for yourself. Her classroom is fun and she creates activities that use the knowledge we learned but have lots of options for people with different learning types and are always engaging! Mrs. Reynolds takes on more than just the role of an educator but a trusted adult and friend.
Ms. Reynolds blows any teacher I’ve ever had out of the water. Middle school for anyone the slightest bit different can be so miserable, but with her help I was able to find so many others who were just like me. In a position where not many other places feel safe, she could put aside her time and let us be in her room whenever possible. She made me feel loved when I had gotten so used to feeling unloved, and she could always stand up for me when I couldn’t. She changed so many peoples lives for the better when all hope was lost and our lives were starting to collapse beneath our feet. I couldn’t imagine where I would be now if it weren’t for Ms. Reynolds.
Mrs. Reynolds was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I am currently 27 and I had her as my teacher in 7th grade. She really did change my life for the better. She was so sweet, thoughtful and actually cared for our well being as well as our education. I am so thankful to still be friends with her after many years and so happy she is still teaching. I will forever be grateful for all she has taught us through school and life lessons! Absolutely hands down the best teacher! Thank you for everything you’ve done. Even 14 years later I still followed the advice she always gave and wish she would’ve been my teacher through high school and college!
Having Mrs. Reynolds almost decade ago was one of the best thing that happened to an awkward middle school student! She taught me how to be compassionate, hardworking, and self-loving. I’m not surprised that she got nominated because she deserves this award and more. Congratulations, Mrs. Reynolds and I hope you continue to impact and change the lives and many more students in the future!
I had the pleasure of being taught by Mrs. Reynolds when I was in middle school at Prairie. She was always so kind-hearted and positive! Most importantly she was always very understanding, and accepting. She made such a positive impact in my life that many years later we are still in touch, I am now 23 and have graduated university. I couldn’t think of someone more deserving for this award.
One of the best teachers I've ever had! She's passionate about teaching students and is always willing to go above and beyond for her students. The bond she builds with her students is truly amazing and that's one of the reasons why she'll always be my favorite teacher!
