LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Yolanda Pruneda

Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: Monson-Sultana Elementary
School District: Monson-Sultana School District
City, State: Sultana, CA

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Yolanda Pruneda was nominated by a member of her community, Robert Gonzales.

Monson-Sultana Elementary School is a K-8 school district located in the small farming community of Sultana, CA. Gonzales's first impression of the school was that it had a lot of pride, and that the staff proactively made it a better place for the kids. Everybody, including the superintendent, does their part to make school the best place it can be. During his time at Monson-Sultana, Gonzales had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Pruneda.

"I met with her in her classroom and immediately saw that she initiates discipline in her classroom and teaches the kids to be respectful of others," Gonzales said. "It's refreshing to see a classroom of kids that are polite, respectful, and disciplined in what they are doing."

The first time Gonzales met with Mrs. Pruneda, or "Yolie" as he affectionately calls her, he noticed a young student named Daniel sitting on a piece of cardboard outside of her room. Three weeks later, when he came back to follow up with Mrs. Pruneda, Gonzales noticed a Channel 24 News van leaving the school's parking lot, so he asked her what was going on.

"I had no idea what she was about to tell me but when she did, LifeChanger came to mind," Gonzales said. "Yolie asked me if I had seen Daniel sitting outside of her classroom. I told her that I had the last time I was there, and other times when I had appointments with fellow teachers. She told me the reason for him sitting outside was because he has cerebral palsy, and that he chooses to sit outside on the cardboard instead of interacting with the kids during recess. Yolie told me he depended on other students to get around. When they were at recess, he chose to sit it out on the cardboard and not participate. Little did Daniel know that Yolie was going to change all of that."

Mrs. Pruneda gathered her classroom together and proposed an idea to help Daniel. She shared a plan to help him become more self sufficient in getting around and less dependent on other children. She encouraged her students to help him become more active during recess and lunch hour. Mrs. Pruneda explained that he needed help becoming a stronger person and wanted to help prepare him for his future. Without the assistance of other students, her plan would fail. The class took a vote, and they all agreed to help him.

Mrs. Pruneda's plan was to let Daniel move around the classroom by himself, and only help him if it looked like he was going to fall. The other students were told to clean their desks of all clutter so that he could make his way around the classroom on his own, using the desks as support. He had a four wheel walker that the students called his "car," which was always parked in the back of the classroom. To get him to use it during recess and lunch, students chose to use the grass area instead of the playground.

"I saw firsthand how this helped Daniel," Gonzales said. "He had enough confidence and encouragement from the children to leave that piece of cardboard on the ground, which was his safe zone. To see the kids including him in their games, and to see his smile on his face as he chased a thrown football, left me speechless. All I could do was stand there and watch as Yolie's plan worked its magic before my eyes. The look on his face was priceless! Truly amazing...He wasn't the same kid I saw sitting on that cardboard that day, and I knew he would never go back to that cardboard ever again.

The students that were part of the Mrs. Pruneda's plan got as much out of it as Daniel did. Her plan was a total success and a win-win situation for everybody involved. Due to Mrs. Pruneda's efforts, Daniel will continue to excel on his own. Mrs. Pruneda's classroom provided the support to make it all happen. Her plan was so successful that it made the nightly news, which ran the story about how she and her students helped Daniel deal with his disability.

"Yolanda tells me that she misses Daniel when school started back up this year. But what they did for Daniel and the experience she and her kids had in making it happen for Daniel, will last forever," Gonzales said.

Yolanda in the News

"Your Character Matters: Super Second Graders" - KSEE 24 NBC

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Comments (19)

Chris Meyer Posted over a year ago

I have had the privilege of serving as Yolanda’s Superintendent/Principal for the last 3 years. During this time, I have witnessed her incredible dedication and commitment to her students, the school, and the community. The specific event that garnered her this nomination is just one of many examples of how she positively impacts the lives of students. In this specific situation, Yolanda’s heart for her students became apparent from the moment she learned she had a student with special needs in her class. She immediately began planning how she could support this student to ensure he was successful. She embraced the needs of the student, and constantly looked for ways to provide access for her student. In addition to helping the student with special needs, Yolanda’s actions taught many lessons to the rest of her class. Her students learned first hand to be caring and accepting of all. They all assumed the shared responsibility of helping their classmate succeed, a lesson that will stay with them for years to come. Yolanda has a no excuses, “no matter what it takes” attitude that she applies to everything she does each and everyday. I can’t think of an individual more deserving than her.

Olga Zavala Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Pruneda is a phenomenal 2nd grade teacher. She spends endless hours in the classroom before and after school in preparing the lessons for her students. She is beyond organized and always ensures that every lesson is accurately prepared so she is able to teach her students in the most efficient way possible. I am not only her co-worker but I am also her sister in law and if there’s anyone that deserves this recognition, it would be her.

Alondra Zavala Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Pruneda has impacted many lives, including mine. She is not only a great teacher, but also an amazing role model to every student she comes in contact with whether they are in her class or not. I? am her goddaughter and I know personally that she is the most caring, compassionate and generous person. She is someone who can be counted on whenever she is needed! She is one of a kind. Despite her busy schedule or work that needed to be done, she found time to be at every game or event of mine no matter where it was. This is exactly how she is with her students, they come first. The love she has for her students and the passion she has for teaching is beyond words. She truly cares for each and every one of them and seeing them grow and learn is her motivation. She challenges them on an everyday bases and holds them to high standards no matter how young they are because she believes in them. There are former students who have been out of school and are now in college who still keep in contact with her and thank her for teaching them good character as people and students. I? truly believe Mrs. Pruneda is a “life changer” and is so deserving of this recognition.

Rollin Heinrichs Posted over a year ago

Even though I am a teacher just down the hall from Yolanda, I had no idea the miracle that was going on in room 4, because it was not an act that was done to be noticed, but a natural act of love fostered by Yolanda's incredible integrity. It doesn't surprise me though, because that is just who Yolanda is. I know that her childhood gave her a unique perspective on children who don't have all they want, or who have the support that some have. I know her as a fierce advocate for the second-language learners of our school and community, and have myself learned so much from the conversations I have had with her about the challenges our students face because of language and poverty. I am thrilled that Yolanda has received this recognition. Her life and teaching are just a natural part of who she is as a friend and colleague who on an everyday basis recognizes needs and changes lives.

Susie Pasillas Posted over a year ago

Yolie is a true sister! Teaching is her passion and her love for her students is a pure and a beautiful gift to them as well as to their parents. I have known her not only as a professional colleague, but as a friend that can be counted on when you need her the most! She’s there for her students who love her and you can count on her to be there for them. It is without hesitation and respect to say that Yolie deserves this honor to be nominated as a life changer of the year in the field of education.

Edward Bedoya Posted over a year ago

I am a coworker and friend of Yolie's and I like to state that what Yolie has done for her student Daniel is normal for Yolie. She constantly goes beyond what is asked. Yolie is a life changer because she is a "Kind and Generous" person. Her interaction with student, parents, coworkers and people in the community has a common goal . She wants what is best for the young people of our community. I am lucky to be a part of Yolie's positive efforts in our community. She was my younger son, Michael's teacher. Yolie provided a great example of how a kind and generous person lives their life. My younger son Michael is away at college and she still keeps in contact with him. She is a positive influence in his life. My oldest son, Andrew did not have Yolie as a teacher, but he also has personal experiences with Yolie that made a lasting impact. Andrew had plans to be a teacher and he passed away in a car accident one month after graduating from college. Our family has started a scholarship foundation in his honor. With no strong ties to my older son other than she was Michael's 2nd grade teacher , Yolie has been very supportive to our family. She volunteers in our fundraising events with her time and finances. She stays in contact and provides moral and emotional support to Michael. We have a mantra for our son's foundation "Be Kind and Generous". Yolie has a true understanding of what is to be a kind and generous person not just for a moment but for a life time. In closing I am very thankful for all that Yolie does for my family and our school. Our community is a better place because we have the good fortune to have Yolie Prunade here.

Vicki Worthley Posted over a year ago

I've worked with Yolanda for the last 22 years, and yes, it's true, she is an incredibly caring teacher who invests her heart and soul into her students. Helping Daniel assimilate in the mainstream classroom was nothing exceptional in Yolie's routine, as she always considers going above and beyond a normal part of "what we do in Room 4". You will not find anyone more deserving of this award or a better role model for how one person can make a difference that lasts a lifetime! Sincerely, Vicki Worthley Director of Technology Monson-Sultana School

Holly kistler Posted over a year ago

What a great learning experience for the kids in that classroom as well. Mrs.Pruneda's deserves more that this award. She touched many lives with this example. She taught the kids awareness and caring of others.My Grandchildren go to this school.Im glad they do.

Pat Huston Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on a job very well done!

Jose A. Valdez Posted over a year ago

Both my kids have had the opportunity and privilege to be taught by Yolanda. She has instilled in each of them the confidence to believe in themselves and modeled great character. My kids always felt challenged in her room, yet nurtured. To this day, they still speak of her and give her credit for many of the life lessons taught by her. As a school Principal for another District, I can only wish to have a certificated staff member with the heart and professionalism of Ms. Pruneda. Teachers like her are rare and a school can be considered fortunate to have one. Monson-Sulatana has one in Ms. Pruneda.

Melissa Valdez Posted over a year ago

I'm not only a colleague of Mrs. Pruneda's, but a personal friend and a parent of two of her former students. I placed my own children in her classroom because she exemplifies the compassion for ALL her students through her teaching. She is genuinely invested in teaching the "whole" child. And demonstrates that year after year. However, the year she had Daniel was different. For one she requested that Daniel be in her classroom. Second, she knew only what she "saw" of him outside on the playground, sitting watching kids play. Mrs. Pruneda conducts her class to FULLY included everyone. So that meant including a walker as well. Once she knew Daniel wanted to "park" his walker and walk around the classroom, she took the opportunity to rearrange her classroom to meet his needs. Freeing him of being limited to certain areas of the classroom. He had access to every inch of the classroom. This new found freedom poured out the door, onto the playground. Mrs. Pruneda's students then found new creative ways to include Daniel in soccer, tag and other fun games. A true example of how a teacher's compassion can be instilled in those we teach. A life long character trait that will last forever. Job well done, Mrs. Pruneda!

Wendy Corcoran Posted over a year ago

Beautiful inside and out!! Such a BIG heart!

Amanda Pruneda Posted over a year ago

I am here to share what I have seen in Mrs. Pruneda as a teacher. Although I am her daughter, I have also seen first hand as Robert Gonzalez has. Mrs.Pruneda has always and will always put her students first. Their education, their growth as a person is very important to Mrs Pruneda. Teaching them to be leaders. Preparing them for their future. I’ve ever seen a teacher do for their student what Mrs. Pruneda does for hers. She is very encouraging, positive and would never give up on her kids. The devotion to her kids and her classroom is beyond words. Countless hours spent in her classroom preparing for the day’s lessons to come. How to help her students learn in fun and exciting ways. Helping them grow in more ways then one. As 2nd graders preparing for 3rd grade, helping them grow as individuals and becoming strong leaders in mind body and soul. I know Mrs. Pruneda is purely grateful everyday to be a teacher, to be apart of each students life. To be a positive influence in their lives. This nomination is a true honor for her. I believe in my heart that Mrs. Pruneda has changed many lives but the impact that each student has had on Mrs. Pruneda's life is the real “Life Changer”...PRICELESS!

Connie Friesen Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Pruneda is very deserving of this recognition. She is an awesome teacher who loves her students with all her heart.

Rosie Long Posted over a year ago

Yolanda is a great asset to Monson Sultana. She has a big heart for the students and their learning to achieve greatness.

Carmen Moreno Posted over a year ago

Yolie Pruneda is not only an amazing teacher, she is a friend, a guide. All molded into one very special person. We love her!

Bette George Posted over a year ago

Yolanda is so deserving of this recognition. She was nominated for her “thinking out of the box” efforts in expanding the World for one of her students who has CP. Yolie incorporated the entire class into a team to make the plan work. The concept of the plan was done without Fanfare but with a kind heart to make the life for her student better, not only for today, but for his future. However the plan not only benifited the one student but was a “ learning Moment” for the entire class in developing understanding and compassion for those , young and old, who made need assistance in what they are trying to achieve. Monson-Sultana has been so fortunate to have Yolanda Pruneda on their Staff, but it has been the students who have benefited from having her as their Teacher.

Lucia Andrade Posted over a year ago

I had the honor of having Mrs. Pruneda as my daughter's teacher. I admire the way she carries herself in the classroom where she shows authority but love and kindness as well. I feel she has a very unique talent to be able to reach out to kids and teach them is such a special way. I feel my daughter excelled in her class and learned to love books and reading. I have seen many of her prior students that no longer attend Monson-Sultana go up to her and hug her and say how happy they are to see her. I truly believe Mrs. Pruneda has been a "lifechanger" for many students and for some of us parents as well.

Karen Kapheim Posted over a year ago

Yolie is a fantastic teacher. She is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful person as well. She loves teaching and she loves her students. She truly makes a difference in their lives.