LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Pratt received multiple nominations, who all wish to remain anonymous.  

"There are many qualities that make Ms. Jennifer Pratt a LifeChanger of the Year," explains one of her nominators. "She is the epitome of a teacher: terrific, encouraging, amazing, caring, hardworking, energetic, and really special! These are only a few words to describe Ms. Jennifer Pratt. She deserves to be recognized and honored because she is simply phenomenal."

"She teaches multi-grade levels for middle and high school at-risk students," explains another nominator. "She is an accomplished teacher that is incredibly thoughtful and well-spoken. She consistently combines her love and devotion for students with her fascination with teaching and learning every day. She enjoys teaching and is a lifelong learner. Her fascination with learning how (and watching) all students grow and learn is really impressive. She feels that the more she teaches, the more she wants to teach. She has been teaching in the same school district for almost 31 years, and she doesn't seem to grow weary or tired yet. It's inspiring that she still encompasses the heartfelt joy of teaching."       

She strives daily to guide students of all types and "unearth" each child's strengths and weaknesses so that she can provide guidance and assistance to either push them higher or get them up to speed. She is the first to get to school and the last to leave every day, whether rain or sunshine. She's a true change-maker and life-impactor as a teacher of at-risk students, as well as a dedicated and resourceful community member. She volunteers weekly to tutor students after school. She keeps close communications with parents and community stakeholders, whether face-to-face or via email and phone.

She knows exactly how to reach and teach every student in meaningful, relevant ways because she knows how to break through the academic and behavior challenges of all of her at-risk learners. She incorporates innovation into her teaching practices and knows precisely how to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges as an advocate for all students. Even more importantly, Ms. Pratt is a strong advocate for all students as she relentlessly seeks ways to motivate them. She demonstrates resourcefulness in teaching strategies and approaches, inspires students' interests, develops her learners' understanding of the subject areas taught, and challenges all learners across a diverse student population.

Moreover, her innovative, sleek teaching style fosters the development of students and encourages their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. She makes learning fun and meaningful. Ms. Pratt glows when she knows each student's lightbulb moment has sparked! Hands down, she has a proven track record as an integral part of the school climate and community.

"She goes the extra mile to ensure all students are engaged," explains another nominator. "Professional learning and improving educator practices are ways she put a spark in connecting the what, why, and how in her daily educational and instructional practices. Although Ms. Pratt teaches in a small rural town, she actively seeks and participates in professional development opportunities, thereby engaging in dynamic, high-energy forums that develop and enhance teaching and learning. Even more important is Ms. Pratt's tenacity to encourage thought-provoking conversations and lessons geared toward improving instructional practices within and outside the classroom."

Ms. Pratt's unparalleled professional learning and teaching experiences, coupled with an infinite plethora of profound knowledge and motivation, are genuine catalysts for her eagerness to help achieve all goals set by the school district. Whether in the classroom or community, Ms. Pratt makes a powerful, memorable impact. She unwittingly approaches all students from a place of compassion and love for each other, ourselves, and our communities. Ms. Pratt opens a whole new world each day as she takes time to listen to and believe in others, which is a crucial part of the life-changing and change-making process. 

"Without a doubt, I am convinced Ms. Jennifer Pratt is deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award," said one nominator. "Indeed, a choice of words is a choice of worlds, and I hope you'll choose "yes" by honoring and awarding the LifeChanger of the Year Award to an awesome well-deserving teacher, Ms. Jennifer Pratt."