Heather Rice
Position: Technical Arts/Digital Media/Journalism Instructor
School: One School of the Arts
School District: One School of the Arts
City, State: Longwood, FL
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Heather Rice was nominated by her student.
Mrs. Rice has been her nominator's teacher, yearbook director, and mentor for two years. Within these two years, her nominator has learned skills that she can take with her throughout her entire life. Mrs. Rice provides a safe and friendly classroom environment that allows children to express their own creativity. She encourages her students to find what makes them unique and helps them discover their own personal learning style.
"Her impact on me has sculpted me to grow in so many ways that I didn't know were even possible," her nominator said. "The first year I had Mrs. Rice, I was in her Yearbook class, where she mentored and trained us in photography, digital media, graphic design and journalism. She not only taught us about all of these things, but she spoke to us from her own professional experience as well."
Mrs. Rice's classroom is a place where students always want to be because everyone feels comfortable enough to express themselves and create without judgement. She offers constructive criticism that motivates her students to do their best and take it one step further.
"We call Mrs. Rice our Teacher Mama, because we can always count on her to be there for us when we need something," her nominator said. "She is a trusted mentor, directing us and putting us in our place when we need that extra push or motivation."
Mrs. Rice would do anything to help her students, and always volunteers to help her scholars if needed.
"Working alongside Mrs. Rice has been a real blessing to me," the nominator said. "She is not just a teacher or a yearbook director to me; I consider her to be a true role model and friend. Having the opportunity to work with a professional photographer like her is an absolute honor."
I have had the pleasure of knowing Heather as a lifelong friend. I first met her around 6th grade. She was outgoing, enthusiastic and all about making others smile. I know that’s what first drew me in to her.
Through life and twists and turns, I am honored to still have her as a friend and a fellow educator, even though we are in different counties. Her enthusiasm and love for life is still there and now is a model for her students. She is one of those that’s always on the side of positivity and looking for a solution. That is something our students need today.
She is a beautiful woman, wife, mother, teacher, peer and friend.
Mrs. Rice was my daughters favorite teacher from day 1 of school. She has charisma, incredible talent, and a true heart for her students. She works tirelessly with her students to help them achieve more than they could ever imagine possible. She is their friend, their leader and their role model. My daughter has not only grown in skill set under Mrs. Rice, she has also grown as a more mature woman through the leadership and support that Mrs. Rice has given her. She has etched a special place in our hearts that will never be forgotten, yea... she's one of those kinds of life changers. Thank you Mrs. Rice for more than what words could ever express. WE LOVE YOU!
I am truly blessed to be the son of my mom Mrs. Rice. She is a leader, motivator, and inspiration to me. Of the 14 short years that I have lived on this planet she has worked hard all my life and has never given up. Before we came to One School of the Arts, my mom had her photography business. I can remember the first time I asked her what to call her and said "When I'm in your class do I call you Mrs. Rice or Mom?" and she said "just call me mom" True story actually. Anyways my mother is also a very passionate, thoughtful, and a motivating person. When I was in the 6th grade my class and I had my mom for English. Her class was my personal favorite. I took her 7th grade digital media. She taught us all how to hustle and get work done and turned in on time. She also pushes me to get my grades up if their low. She is a soft heated, kind, loving teacher.
Your Son,
Jackson RIce
We are new to One School this year and have had the wonderful pressure of meeting Mrs. Rice. She welcomed us with open arms and within seconds I felt as if we knew each other always. Not only is she an amazing instructor and photographer, but she is an amazing person inside and out. I feel blessed to have her in my life and couldn’t think of a better award for her. She touches everyone she meets.
Heather Rice is a motivator, counselor, entrepreneur, gifted photographer and all around beautiful human being. She pours out her gifts and talents upon her scholars everyday. She Is passionate about her job and that passion infects every scholar she teaches. Our school is truly blessed to have her!
Heather has done amazing things for our school! She inspires her scholars and her coworkers daily. She gives 1000% over what is asked of her. She loves her scholars as her own and pushes them to truly be their best. She has helped to grow an amazing digital media department and developed a professional level yearbook team! She truly changes lives daily!
Heather Rice is an eclectic individual who on a daily basis beautifully carries out the role of a friend, coach, mentor, mother, wife, teacher, and of a professional photographer. There are many other roles I have seen Heather fulfill, but the ones mentioned above are the ones that I have witnessed first hand as her friend and co-worker. Although these roles are different in design Heather is able to represent each and everyone of them flawlessly and properly function under them due to the fact that she is extremely organized, passionate, and 100% devoted to each role. She is passionate about life and people and can't help but be a problem solver. Heather doesn't focus on the problem. She focuses on the solution. Because Heather cares about people and challenges them to be THEIR BEST, anyone who is around her is impacted in some way, shape, or form. Her scholars know that Heather BELIEVES in them and that they have what it takes to succeed in life. She tells them that all the time. And if scholar's don't yet have the skills that they need, Heather equips them by teaching them skills that they will need in order to move forward in their carreer/study path. She's always rooting for them and sets them up for success. When scholars spend time with Heather change happens and transformation takes place in their hearts, minds, and sometimes even in their character. I am blessed and honored to know Heather Rice.
Heather is an amazing instructor! I have enjoyed teaching alongside her this year as she has taken me under her wing and mentored me as a new teacher! I have watched her with her scholars and have witnessed her willingness to go above and beyond with each one of her students ensuring that they receive everything they need in order to become a success, both in the classroom and beyond!
When Heather started teaching at One School she hit the floor running by changing the very way her scholars thought. She did a random acts of kindness campaign. She took a group of middle schoolers that didn’t necessarily look for ways to help others and challenged them. They looked for ways to be a blessing. This was years ago and that same group still looks for ways to bless others.
She expects excellence and won’t allow her scholars to do anything less. She teaches them to take pride in what they do and only submit what they are proud to put their name on. She teaches life skills while teaching academics. Scholars that come through her class are forever changed.
Mrs. Rice was my daughter's English teacher her senior year. This woman took on the senior class as if they were her own kids. I do appreciate all that she did which really was above and beyond. She helped get them scholarships, she made sure they were applying to schools and touring them. She cares about her students and it shows. I love her!!!
Heather was a teacher, mentor & example for my two boys. She has so much real life experience in advertising, media, photography, technology. However, she shares it in real life ways. She has shown them that u can wear many hats & make a career out of your passions. That I always smile, laugh at yourself a little, help each other & never stop learning. She is a real life changer!
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Rice as my teacher in middle school 15 years ago and I have nothing but fond memories because of her. She is incredibly caring, compassionate, and is an advocate for each and every one of her students. She challenges you to be yourself, think outside of the box, and to always try your best. She has helped mold so many students into thoughtful, caring, and strong adults. She is truly deserving of life changer of the year.
Heather is a blessing and inspiration to her students!
I’m not going to tell you that Heather Rice is amazing, that has been established. Heather is at her core the most inspirational person that I know.
My son had her for 2 years and is one of her graduates. To this day he still runs things by her to get her opinion or just to get some advice. “Real Talk With Rice” is what she has with all her students, she does NOT procrastinate and she constantly tells her students to always “HUSTLE”! Heather has many talents, but her passion for education is inspiring.
As a friend she inspires me to be a better person and that no matter what if I can Dream it I can Do it! Heather IS a Life changer it’s in her DNA!
Heather had been such a fantastic part of our life for a few years now. Her teaching style and strength helped my now 20 year old son fall deeper in love with art, more specifically drawing. He is working on his first pieces to be published.
Heather has got to be the most loving, caring and thoughtful person! Her loving nature reflects in all aspects of her life!
Heather Rice is such a caring and giving individual. She exudes excellence in everything she does. I have admired her since I first met her.
Mrs. Rice is hands down my favorite teacher. I've had her for three years from an English teacher, to a Yearbook Advisor. I really have a deep connection with her & she understands what I'm going through. She's taught us valuable life skills to help us get through the real world. She such a gem & I'm so lucky to call her my teacher!
Mrs.Rice showed me how to become a great photographer and because of her I am confident in my skills as a photographer.
Mrs. Rice is the best teacher Iv'e ever had. She had us to fun stuff and at the same time had us hustle to learn new things.
Mrs. Rice is so amazing! I was blessed to have her as my English teacher for senior year. Starting my day off with her class was one of the only things that pushed me to go to school on some days. Mrs. Rice was not only a teacher, but a mentor, and a friend to me. If I ever needed advice or help with anything, I knew I could comfortably go to Mrs. Rice (and still can anytime). I am so thankful to have had such an amazing, encouraging, strong woman as a teacher!
Mrs. Rice is an excellent teacher!
Heather is just an all around the extrodinary person !
Heather is a blessing in my life as well. She has supported me since the day we met. I honestly owe much of my success to her. Not only that, but she is just an amazing friend. I am so thankful to have her in my life. "Life changer" could be the most appropriate title in the world for Heather!
Mrs. Rice engages scholars and compels them forward in the areas of academia and excellence of character!
Mrs Rice is a wonderful teacher and coworker. She is very encouraging and inspiring. Mrs Rice loves her students and has a big heart for them. Love you, Heather!
Heather Rice is a perfect role model for everyone around her. She is professional and passionate with all she does and so fun loving when appropriate too! She always see’s the best in you and tries to bring it out. I have known Heather since Highschool and have always looked up to her!! She is a perfect person for this award!! For sure a life changer!!
Mrs. Rice is an amazing teacher who has taught me so much, her teaching methods make everyone lean in from their seats. She’s all about the hustle and very intelligent. Everyone I know wants to be in her class because of all of the information she can unleash. She has the absolute best stories and the best way to teach us. Mrs. Rice was my teacher and I am proud to call her that because of all she has passed down on me. Every word she has spoken to me has made me want myself to improve everything I do. She believes that I can do better and she’s not afraid to state that. All in all, Mrs. Rice has been an incredible mentor for me, guiding me through the tough parts of my life, and I’m glad to have met her.
Heather is a catalyst to creativity because she sees and inspires the potential in young people. There is a seamlessness in her life of teaching where she pulls on her many talents to deliver a broader learning experience than what any curriculum or classroom could produce. I wish I had had a teacher like her! All “her kids” know they belong to her because she has dedicated herself to them and their abilities to build their future through their talent.
Mrs Rice is an incredible teacher and mentor. She is extremely mindful of the preparedness of her scholars entering into the real world. How refreshing it is to see high school students developing a skill set even before graduation. It is a pleasure to work along side her and watch her scholars grow.
I have never met a women so passionate about helping children learn, excel in the classroom and applying those principals in everyday life. When you step back and watch Mrs. Rice with her students you see the deep care that she has for each of her students success. She gives much of her own free time to creating fun and educational projects and trips for the students to participate in. Mrs. Rice challenges students to think outside the box and strive to reach levels that they never thought they could achieve before.
Heather Rice has the true gift of being not only a teacher and educator but a friend. Someone the students look up to and rely on. I truly believe it could only take one to change a child's life. Heather Rice is that one. She is a life-changer.
Mrs. Rice inspires her students, her peers, and those in her field.
Mrs. Rice is truly the best. If you are working in her class, you will want to give everything you do your best effort and beyond. She gives her scholars just the right amount of indpependent learning and mentoring. You feel like your learning more from her than anyone else. Her attitude and personality encourages you to work hard but have fun as well.
Mrs. Rice brings incredible real-world experience into the classroom to teach relevant, real-world skills to her students. She manages to balance a booming photography business with her family and demanding classroom schedule -all with infectious enthusiasm. Mrs. Rice provides valuable life experiences to her students, including travel to national journalism and design conventions and competitions. She engages her students and always encourages them to HUSTLE to achieve their dreams!
As a colleague of Mrs. Rice I have been able to watch scholars bloom from working with her. She has been an inspiration to both children and adults. Children see that they can succeed and grow while learning new skills in a safe place. The parents have experienced the change in their children, and have watched many of them come out of their shell. Teachers who work with her, have seen her professionalism coupled with a caring manner. She changes lives in and out of the classroom and is a joy to be around!!
Heather Rice is so creative and talented. She brings an edge to the digital media and yearbook program that takes One School of the Arts to the next level. Her encouraging spirit inspires the kids to learn in new creative ways! She loves them like her own and they walk away excited about learning! We are so blessed to have such an incredible teacher at our school. My child loves her and has greatly benefitted from her innovation with a new confidence that she can do whatever she sets her mind to do! Thank you Heather!!
Mrs. Rice is so kind and sweet to others and deserves this award. She is leader no matter what and makes a difference in lives. Thank you for telling me to hustle through my school work when I needed it because now I have really good grades. She also gives good advice to others when needed. She is also lucky to be a teacher here. Thank you Mrs. Rice for being here because without you, you can't make a difference.
Mrs. Rice is the best teacher EVER!!! I love Mrs. Rice, I wish I had her all year. I have learned a lot in her class and would love to learn more.
Mrs. Rice has been an amazing teacher.She is a really good digital media teacher, she always knows what she is doing and always does an amazing work with the yearbooks. She always has great ideas for everything that she does and for her students.Mrs. Rice is a really fun person to be with and I am so thankful that she was my teacher and she always tells us to hustle.Mrs. Rice is the best choice for this award because she is really hardworking.Thank you Mrs. Rice for being my teacher and keep on being an extraordinary teacher like you have always been!!
I have known Heather Rice for over 20 years. Ever since our friendship began, Heather has always been so considerate! She always goes way out of her way to make people feel special. She has an amazing way of making people feel valued, loved and a priority. She is an extremely involved and ever present mother of 3 boys, wife, teacher and owns her own photography business. To say she excellent in each of those roles would be an extreme understatement! I honestly do not know how she has the time and energy for all of these very important roles, but her passion and true love and commitment is outstanding! She is determined to make sure her children, husband, students and clients are never neglected! Being a friend of hers is a blessing and honor and watching her feed the needs of hose dependant on hernia truly amazing!
Heather shows great initiative and diligence. She is not only smart but intelligent. I had her as a student in Math and Computers, she always showed a spirit of determination. She is well respected by her students, peers and the professional world.
She qualifies to receive this award.
Professor Alcalá
I first heard about Heather from students in my class who had previously had her as a teacher. They always spoke about her with great admiration and respect. One aspect they frequently mentioned was how she always took time to show that she truly cared about them as individuals. Soon after hearing from those students, I had the privilege of meeting Heather and getting to know her. I loved her enthusiasm and energy she had for her students. As an educator, I have so much respect for what she does and how she is always implementing creative things in the classroom. You can easily see that this is not a job to her, but something that is intrinsically a part of who she is as an individual. I can easily see how she is a life-changer and I would love for her to teach my kids someday.
Heather is an inspiration to her friends, family, and students. I've known her since she was 10. She is a leader, innovator, role model and just a great person.
Mrs. Rice has been an awesome teacher when I have her class. She loves and cares to anyone she sees. Mrs Rice told me to hustle and i'm doing it. Shes a lucky person to be a teacher here and makes a difference in lives. She was made to be amazing and win this award. Thanks for being my teacher!!
Heather is passionate about teaching her students and truly cares for each of them. She embraces the individual gifts and talents of each student has helps them develop those skills to their fullest. She is indeed a life changer!
Mrs. Rice is the best. She should win.
This is the best teacher I have ever had for Digital Media and as a friend.She is hilarious and she does anything for her students.
I Cannot say enough positive things about Miss Rice to even remotely make you understand how much she means to me and my daughter. My daughter Sydney has dyslexia and Miss Rice is one of the few teachers that completely understands how that affects a child. She has helped my daughter understand exactly what dyslexia is and has helped build her confidence up so she feels equal to her peers. There is no one more deserving for this award than Miss Rice.
Heather was born to be a teacher! She is passionate about “her” kids and cares deeply about each of her students. She sees the best in each one and wants to grow the “best” part of them! She continues to support and love them long after they leave her classroom. She is a leader and a mentor and she goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to be in her class! She IS a life-changer!!!
Heather is more than a teacher. She makes me feel like family. I had her as a teacher in middle school. She taught me to think for myself but was always there to guide me when needed. She has the ability to make learning fun and give real world advice. Even outside the classroom, she is proud of her students and what accomplish.
Heather is outstanding as a person and more importantly a teacher. She IS the best choice for this award.
I wholeheartedly agree that Mrs. Rice is a life changer! Her classroom is a unique mix of creativity and innovation where scholars can discover passions and talents they didn't even know they had. She is inspiring to both her scholars and co-workers. It's truly an honor to work alongside her. She deserves to be nominated for this award!
Heather has connected with my early teenage daughter and taught her more than an excellence in a technical, artistic skill set. Mrs. Rice has a gift to empower girls so that they can pursue whatever they put their mind to in life. She also has that very needed trait in the classroom to be both tough when needed and winsome to her students.
Heather is truly the best! There is no other woman I know who works as hard as she does. She works as a photographer, teacher, and mother; how she balances all of it is truly what makes her incredible! Not only does she make you feel comfortable being around her, but she goes out of her way to get you involved. She's absolutely hilarious and is such a real person to be around! Oh, and such an amazing cook! She really does do it all! Heather definitely deserves this! Not a single person is the same after being around her. Her impact on the world, and especially the youth to come, will make all the difference for a brighter future.
Mrs. Rice is an “out of the box” thinking teacher that’s passion and creativity inspire her students to want to learn and dare to do new things. Her love for her students and drive is an inspiration to all who know her.
Mrs. Rice was my middle school teacher almost 15 years ago. She encouraged creativity, individuality, and excellence in the classroom and outside the classroom. Her spunky, endearing personality coupled with her passion for her students' growth, made a great pairing. She's someone her students could always feel comfortable around. I will always treasure the time we shared. She is most deserving of "Life-changer of the year" award as I know that her passion and expertise continues to positively impact all the individuals she works with!
It has been my pleasure to be Heather's principal the last few years. She always aims high and brings her scholars alongside her for an amazing ride! She has opened so many doors for our scholars by introducing them to the professional digital arts world, but even more she treats each scholar with kindness and respect and pulls out of them talent that they didn't know they had. She'll tell them like it is and they take it because they know she loves them.
Heather is the teacher that students will look back on and remember that she cared. She cares that her students not only learn, but also that they see the importance of learning and strive to learn more. Her students love to learn because she makes learning fun and relevant.
Mrs. Rice has been an amazing teacher throughout the years I have known her. Not only have she been a good digital media teacher, she has been an excellent English teacher. She prepared me and all my classmates for what was to come further in school and I thankfully am greatfull for that. Thank you Mrs. Rice for teaching me and keep being an extraordinary teacher.
Agree, agree! Heather and I graduated from college together. Her creative ideas, drive to succeed, and fun, spunky personality make her the top candidate in my mind. She is a classy lady who always makes lifting others up and encouraging others a number one priority! She is indeed a life changer with a BIG heart! xoxo
Heather Rice taught my children in 6th grade and our family has formed an incredible friendship that has lasted for over 15 years. She is not just a life changer for students but for anybody. She helped me lose over 40 lbs because in addition to wife, mother, friend, teacher, photographer and friend, she is also a health coach that helped hundreds of people lose weight! Heather Rice is a rockstar and she shines at anything she sets her heart on! We love her!!
Mrs. Rice is a phenomenal teacher and amazing woman. She is one of the hardest working teachers I know. In a time when many teachers are burnt out or only in it for a pay check, Mrs. Rice remains passionate about educating her scholars. She is such a breath of fresh air. Her love for her scholars is unconditional. She looks beyond behavior, sees their potential and treats them accordingly. Because she believes in them, they begin to believe in themselves. They rise to the occasion and begin to dream and soar. Mrs. Rice's concern for her scholars goes beyond the subject she is teaching. Each year she plans a trip for her yearbook team, to attend a conference, but during that trip, she exposes them to so much more, new foods, new cultures other arts. In as much as she loves her scholars, she is also a partner to the parents. Reaching out to us to encourage us along the way. Mrs. Rice is a true professional. Not only is she formally trained as an educator, but she is also educated in her trade. She brings multiple facets to each class so that when her scholars depart, not only have gained an education in the subject content, but they depart with life, social and business skills that will continue on with them.
Now as if all of that were not enough, let's add on the fact that she is a wife, mother of 3 boys and is a successful photographer & business owner...yep! She's amazing. Thank you is not enough for all that you do Mrs. Rice.
Heather Rice is a tremendous educator. She hustles each day to raise the bar for all of her students. She is exceptional at organizing expectations and building in accountability in a hands-on, project based learning environment. Heather works tirelessly to pull new perspectives and the most current industry standard technologies and practices into her Digital Arts classes. She is a tremendous advocate for students and designs real-world activities in and out of the classroom walls to prepare young minds for the 21st Century.
Heather is AMAZING! Whatever she sets her mind to she can accomplish. She is passionate about teaching and helping her students be "out of the box" thinkers. She inspires, directs and mentors these young minds and takes their learning to a whole new level. From being yearbook teacher, to digital media teacher, to "teacher momma" as they so lovingly call her, Heather's heart is in helping and inspiring people to reach for the stars. She rallies up the community support if she has to, but she will to anything for her kids, as she did when she took her entire year book staff to an unforgettable and educational trip to NYC! Her classroom is a creative oasis where people are welcome to come in and let their imaginations soar. Heather is changing lives everyday!
