LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rachel Gerhard-Sterner was nominated by her friend, Judy Bremner.

"Rachel and I actually grew up together in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. I have not seen her in many years. However, we still keep in communication through Facebook, and I see all of her educational posts. She is always going above and beyond for her classroom, and she definitely puts the kids' best interest in the forefront of her life," said Bremner.

Below is a recent post from Ms. Gerhard-Sterner's Facebook: 

"When I first started my teaching career, I used a warm-up which asked the students if they could have anything for whatever holiday they celebrate, what would it be? One student responded simply with 'chocolate…' I realized that for some of my students, the only 'celebration' they may get is in my classroom. I try to make it a point each year to bring some type of 'treat' in my classroom and have as much fun with my students as we can. For some students, a 'break' is not always happy…Take the time to let everyone just breathe this year. Even my high school students are feeling the pressure…and a bunch are trying to find part-time jobs to help their families and work over 'break…'"

"I can vouch for Rachel's heart when it comes to the compassion she shows her students. I also see posts of projects, which I know she purchased the materials for out of her own pocket. She embodies every quality that a great educator has, and she truly deserves to be recognized. She is definitely a leader and is, in fact, an aspiring leader as she is taking classes in educational leadership," said Bremner.