Jana McWain was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
Ms. McWain is a bright ray of sunshine every single day. Her passion for her students, families, and colleagues is a constant inspiration. Ms. McWain devotes everything to ensuring the success of her students. She is funny and cheerful, and her optimism is contagious. Ms. McWain is very skilled at turning every opportunity into a learning experience. The positive impact she makes on her students lasts a lifetime.
Ms. McWain is in her 20th year as an early childhood special education teacher at Tyler ISD. She currently teaches at Jones Elementary School.
"Ms. McWain's classroom is truly our 'happy place,' said Jones Elementary School principal Dr. NaTasha Crain. "The learning that happens in her class is extraordinary. It's exciting to observe her students' growth while they learn language through play and real-world experiences. The Preschool Speech Program truly prepares students for successful outcomes as they begin their educational journeys."
Ms. McWain has written curriculum and helped launch the Preschool Speech Program and classroom model. She also spends a great deal of extra time mentoring early childhood teachers. She opens her classroom to share resources and ideas to inspire a love of learning in everyone involved. Ms. McWain has served on the TEA Preschool Standards Program's Revision Team and presented for Region 7 and Region 10 ESCs to share her expertise for early childhood development. Ms. McWain has been named Teacher of the Year and passed the award on to other colleagues more than once to share the recognition and inspiration. Ms. McWain has written and received several grants to continue her mission and make learning fun and meaningful.
Ms. McWain stated that her passion is to ignite the love of learning. She focuses on a discovery model and hands-on approach that promotes social skills, language development, and excitement for learning experiences. Ms. McWain's motivation and enthusiasm set her apart as an outstanding educator and LifeChanger for many students, families, and Tyler ISD teammates.
Ms. McWain truly brings out the best in everyone. She makes everyone's day a lot brighter with her encouraging words and positivity. She is always there for anyone who needs her support or encouragement. She also full of knowledge and wisdom. Ms. McWain is the kind of person that puts others needs first. She has so much love for her students and does so much for them each day. Her classroom is full of light, love, and lots of learning. I am so incredibly thankful for her impact on my life. I know she has changed my life for the better! Thank you Ms. McWain. You are a true life changer!
I have the pleasure of being classroom pen pals with her sweet kiddos at Jones. I was so blessed to be able to drop off a Special Delivery from my kids yo hers AT THE VERY LAST minute prior to break! Her classroom is truly a holiday WONDERLAND! I WISH my kids could have visited with me! She is the most creative, talented, passionate, generous teachers, co-worker and friend! I have truly never met anyone so deserving of this award. She inspires me DAILY with her Tweets and encourages me as needed! THANK YOU for sharing YOU with us, Jana!!!!
Ms. McWain is a very special person to our family. She is so giving, kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and shares such a joy and light with her students. She was our daughter's first teacher during the most difficult times of our lives, and the standard to which we held all others after her. She helped us so much to learn about Autism, what worked for our daughter, Alyssa, and she was the first person to help me realize that all God made Alyssa perfect and she was a rue blessing from above. Ms. McWain is a true Angel and we will always pray and have a special place in our heart for her. I cannot think of a more special person to be recongnized as Life Changer of the year, because to us, she changed our Lives forever! We love you Ms. McWain.
The Ledesmas
Jesus, Madai, Alyssa and Mia.
Ms mcwain’s impact on innumerable students cannot be measured. Her joy and dedication is changing generations.
I am thankful that Ms McWain was my daughter's first teacher in the preschool speech program. She created a memorable classroom experience that was so special for those kids. At 10 years old, my daughter still remembers and talks about her time with Ms McWain. She has the kindest heart and I can't think of a more deserving person for this nomination!
What can I say about this wonderful person, Ms. McWain. God has given her a gift that she fulfills on a daily basis. I met this wonderful lady when my son Daylen needed to receive Speech Therapy at a young age. Not only did he start to communicate more but the things that she does with each one of her students is astounding. I am just amazed at all the different activities that she does and most important her personality. She is always happy and truly loves her job. My son is 10 years old now and when I see her, she still remembers him. She is the perfect example of dedication and the best nominee for the Life-changer title.
Ms. Mcwain is passionate about her work, and you can feel it when you speak with her. My son Johnathon Baker started in her speech class last for the last 3 weeks of school. My mother, his daycare, and I were amazed at how much he had improved in such a small time. My son really enjoyed getting on the school bus and going to class daily for two hours a day. Plus she went out her way to help me with transportation and all it was amazing.
Where do I start Ms. McWain is such a humble sweet and loving person. She helped my daughter when I thought we wouldn't get anywhere. Until this day my daughter still talks about her. She is a phenomenal person and a phenomenal teacher. And I hope and pray that she gets this because she most definitely deserve it. She's very outstanding with the students, she makes them feel comfortable and welcomed as well as the parents. She is totally totally awesome. There's no other person who deserves this more than she does. Continue to be you Ms. McWain there's not many of you left and the world needs more of Ms. McWains.
Ms McWain has a gift. She was amazing for us and our Abraham. It was our first child and we were lost on what to do for him. She welcomed him into her classroom and had such a positive impact on him and our family.
Ms. Mcwain is an amazing teacher. Our son went from speaking very limited at 3 yrs old to being exited from her program at 4. He still asks to go to his old school to this day because of her. She truly loves the kids and it shows.
Congratulations! Ms. McWain
I’d love for Ms.McWain to win as a life changer employee because she has made a huge impact in my sons life. So far in all of my years as a custodian I have yet not met a teacher that would give her everything to her students until I met Ms.McWain. My son Alex is my third son. When he turned 1 and a half he has still not said a word. Not even mommy or daddy. That’s when I found out he had a speech issue growing up and needed to be taught on how to act around others. This teacher made possible what not even I or his daddy could. I appreciate her and her work so much. Thank you so much Ms.McWain.
Jana is most definitely a life changer! She is an amazing educator with a huge heart!
Jana,
I can’t think of anyone else who is more deserving of this award! Most of the time, my OT students are eager to leave class to come “play” with me, but I quickly realized that when children enter your room, they’ve entered a grand adventure and they don’t want to miss a moment. Ms. McWain’s room is a farm (complete with live chickens), a beach, a zoo, a hospital, and a baby ward (with “bassinets” for every child’s very own mini-me”. I decided to do my sessions inclusion style, so my kids didn’t miss out (and so I could play too). Besides, nothing I had in my bag could top “milking” a cow with a rubber glove udder! I looked forward to my time there each week, just like your students. I knew I would see them make progress and I knew I would leave with a big smile on my face. Well done!!
Ms. McWain is amazing and truly life changing. When we adopted a 2 year old with 6 words she embraced him and spoke wonderful and encouraging words of praise over him. It was a very hard season and McWain was a bright spot. She is so special and deserving of this.
Jana is one of the most gifted, caring teachers! She inspires others and sparks language growth in her program!
I have never met a teacher that cares so much about her students. She always has a positive attitude. She creates the best activities that enhance the language and life experiences of each and every student. I was the diagnostician that served her campus. When I would visit her classroom and she would always want me to get involved in the lesson. She had monthly themes. My favorite one was Christmas. She would have the student decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments they made and she would have a fireplace she mad. She would have a coffee and hot chocolate shop where the students would have to take orders from that staff that came into the room. This activity helped with language development. In my 40 years working in education I have never worked with such a wonderful teacher.
Mrs. McWain is such an outstanding teacher. I always stop by and visit whenever I can just to see the exciting lessons her students are working on. She is truly a life changer!
Jana McWain has a servant's heart! I have had the opportunity to record/photograph her interacting with her students. She has a gift of love and kindness for each child in her class. Jana's smile always greets you like a ray of sunshine. Her positive energy is genuine and infectious. It is truly an honor to show the beautiful things that she does to ignite learning in her children. It is a privilege to comment on her life-changing commitment to the students of Tyler ISD.
Mrs. McWain's impact goes beyond the classroom. The point that she remembers me, some 20 years later, regularly asking how my family and I are doing. She always has such a bright beautiful smile and just an overwhelming positive energy about her in every single interaction I've had with her. Mrs. McWain, you deserve only the absolute very best!
She is an incredible teacher! You can just see the love she has for her students and for what she does. Her students are blessed to have her!
God has blessed Jana with the ability to make every child she comes in contact with feel special. She truly loves each child and is gifted in developing their strengths. Her classroom is filled with love, learning, and joy. Learning just comes alive. To fully grasp how unique and special Jana’s teaching style is, one must experience it first hand. She is a blessing to so many!
There is NO ONE like Jana McWain. Having worked side by side with her, the joy she emits is unbelievably contagious. She cares so deeply for her students and colleagues. Everything she does in her classroom is intentional and thoughtful to the success of her students AND their families. I feel incredibly blessed to know and to have worked with her. She has given me invaluable insights into the education of early childhood learners and there are glimmers of her in my daily routines in my own pre-K classroom. She is truly the BEST early childhood educator I have ever encountered in my life.
Ms.mcwain... congratulations!!!!!!congratulaciones!!!!!!! Theres no doubt that you are very special teacher...
This lady is a truly dedicated professional. She creates a world of learning for her students that is compassionate, connected and student centered. In addition to being highly focused on academic goals she creates a safe and innovative experience foe the students in her classroom. She takes them camping on the premises, sets up salons so they can pamper staff, and dresses up so they feel like they go to Disney world. Talk about dedication….she is just a very genuine person demonstrating that love and sincerity to students and families.
THE MOST DESERVING!!! We have had the pleasure of having two of our kids be in her class, which our youngest is attending now. She is the one the teachers that is meant to to teach. We can always see the light in her eyes and in our kids when they are telling about their day. Ms. McWain if you read this we want to say we love you and are grateful for all the help you have given us and how much you do.
I’m so excited for him. I have seen everything she has done firsthand first with my son and now with my daughter who is attending her class now. She deserves this and many more recognition. We truly adore her and if you ever meet her, you know that she is meant to be doing what she’s doing, teaching!
I have only seen Ms. McWain a handful of times and each time I have seen her she has had the most friendly and uplifting spirit! She was described by someone I know as the real life Mary Poppins and I feel that is so true! In the few moments I witnessed I could see the immense care and love she has for the children in her class and the people at her school!
Jana is an inspiration! She is always positive and so innovative with ideas for her classroom! She is always willing to help others and see them blossom!
Ms. Mcwain, pours her heart out teaching her students at Jones, she’s such an amazing teacher and human being. She is dedicated and is always going above and beyond for her students. I have the honor of working with her, each time we enroll a new student she’s always so happy and and informative with the parents. Reassuring the parents their child will do great in the program. She’s such a blessing to our students. She is so deserving of this award!
Ms. McWain is the BEST! She radiates joy and sunshine. She’s encouraging to her students with her words and her demeanor! Not only is she amazing with her students but with her colleagues as well! She is always someone that you can depend on. There’s never a sad day with Ms. McWain! She truly is a life changer.
Such a wonderful teacher and more wonderful human being. So special to everyone made our day when she would bring her smile to our dental office
Ms. McWain is magic! My son Greyson was blessed to be in her class at the at the age of 3. The positive impact she made on all of us as a family was beyond anything I had every experienced. She is gifted & talented in so many ways. Her ability to teach & communicate with children struggling with communication is astounding. Greyson was in her class 6 years ago & I’m still gushing over her ever chance I get!! She truly is a Life Changer, she changed our lives. No one deserves it more!!
She is a walking sunshine!! She is true blessing to everyone that knows her.
I'm with the Tyler ISD Foundation. I will never forget a trip with the Foundation to her classroom where Ms. McWain had transformed a carpet roll and construction paper into a palm tree, and a 10 inch deep plastic back yard swimming pool and some sand into a beach. Not sure if any of her elementary students has ever been to a beach, but she brought the beach to her classroom. Her imagination and creativity is incredible. Her dedication to her students is truly an inspiration, and we need more teachers like Ms. McWain.
Miss mcwain it’s one of the best teachers and person that I ever meet she really love what she does with the kids helping them and make sure that they grow up My daughter have the great opportunity to be her student and from she don’t said a word after one month been with her she start talking and having fun with the other kids I really thankful for have the opportunity to meet her and have her on the life oh my daughter my daughter it’s now 13 and she still remember ms mcwain and she always said that she it’s the best teacher that she had thanks for all ms Mcwain and Tyler isd
Ms. McWain is an inspiration. Her enthusiasm and energy is felt inside and outside the classroom. Her students are always engaged, as well as excited to share what they are learning. She goes above and beyond to create innovative and inspiring ways for her students to increase their language and conceptual development. Working with her is a pleasure!
You are amazing! Congratulations to you! Well deserved!
Jana has made an incredible impact on the lives of her students, as well as her coworkers. She is positive, encouraging, and inspiring. She always helps others become the best versions of themselves. She is a bright light and I am honored to know her.
Jana McWain is an extraordinary Educator. I had the pleasure of working with Jana at the end of my career. I am grateful for all the teaching strategies for working with Preschool Scholars I learned while working with her. Educators are life long learners and I am a living example. Ms. McWain gives her all to her students daily and their success and excitement about learning is definitely contagious in her classroom.
Congratulations Jana.
May you continue to bless the lives God places on your path.
Ms McWain is a joy to be around. She is positive, kind, and helpful to everyone. She is so deserving of this award!
Ms.Mcwain if I had 10k to give you I definitely would! I am crying typing this message. You changed my life in more ways than you will ever know! When my daughter wasn’t talking like she was suppose to I was so sad I thought I done something wrong and blamed myself. I went into depression because I always blamed myself for two years and then this little angel name Jana mcwain came and changed my life for the better we will forever love her and cherish her she brought me out of a really dark place and I can’t love and thank her enough from my entire family we love you and you deserve this!!!!!
Congratulations keep up the good work.. :)
Greetings,
Our son Erick was assigned to Ms. McWain due to his early speech issues. Not only she did an excellent work, but went far and beyond. We are forever in debt with her. Erick is now a very confident student, making his school progress very rewarding.
As parents, we would like to recognize her dedication and professionalism. It's easy to see that Ms. McWain loves her career and students. She made a huge impact in our son's development. We will forever be thankful for her dedication.
Thank you!
Gabriel and Elizabeth Gonzalez
Ms. McWain is an amazing educator! She brings so much enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom! My son was privileged to be in the PSP class next to hers and would do activities with her class, he would talk about it as soon as he got in the car. There’s no telling how many lives she has touched and continues to touch! Thank you for all you do, Ms. McWain!
She's the best teacher and person she had my two boys and is the best always happy and make happy every kid the she has
Jana is an amazing teacher for our preschoolers. I have known her since 2003 and she has been a consistent part of the lives out young students. She goes above and beyond in all aspects of her lessons.
I don't think there is a word in the dictionary that adequately describes Ms. McWain's impact on her students, their parents, her colleagues and the community! Her passion and dedication to her students goes way beyond anything I can describe. I personally leave every encounter with her feeling refreshed, revived and loved!
Ms. McWain is the best teacher. My daughter went through the Preschool Speech program. She made the biggest difference in her life! She is now a 7th grader that will still talk about Ms. McWain. She always goes above and beyond for every one of her students. You can tell she absolutely loves what she does. She has touched so many lives and continues to do so. If anyone deserves this, it is her!
Ms. McWain is one of the many reasons I am who I am. When I first came in to work for TISD she taught me many things and helped me grow as an individual and in my job. She continues to make such a positive impact on her students, colleagues, families and community. Her joy is contagious and her love for her students is an inspiration. She loves her job and her mission to create meaningful experiences is evident in all she does. It was an honored to work along side Ms. McWain during my time at Tyler ISD. She is so deserving of this!
Ms. Mcwain was my daughter's teacher 19 years ago ànd has been a part of her life every since. She did not miss a graduation from headstart to high school. She is a very passionate teacher. She taught my grandson last year and the same love and energy she had 19 years ago is present today. We love Ms. Mcwain. There's no one like her...
I admired teachers who have a passion for the education of their students.
Ms. Mcwain is awesome. She makes a positive impact with all of her students. She's such a sweet, kind hearted women.
I've known Jana since I began working here almost 14 years ago and she is totally amazing!!! She smiles and radiates so much joy and positivity everywhere she goes! I haven't had the opportunity to work on the same campus as Jana, but I have always heard so many wonderful things about the incredible way she shows so much love, care and concern for her students.....definitely making such a lasting impression and difference in many precious lives. Thank you Jana and God Bless You for all you do! You are an inspiration and I am so thankful to know you and I love and appreciate you for all you do for others :)
Jana McWain is the most amazing teacher and truly loves her students and families. I have worked with Jana McWain for about 10 years and have seen the positive results of her teaching.
I have invited the media to visit Ms. McWain's classroom on multiple occasions to highlight the amazing atmosphere she provides and unique learning activities. The moment you walk through her door, she illuminates her classroom with her genuine smile and caring heart. The individual attention she provides shows on the children's joyful faces. They are a part of very special learning and nurturing environment. So excited about this well-deserved recognition.
Ms. McWain was one of the first teachers my wife ever worked with and probably the main reason why my wife remains working with special needs. I can't tell you how many timesI have heard her praises sung through the years even when Jen did not work with Ms. McWain! Jana has remained a constant inspiration to her and to many it would seem based on this. Hoorah!!
I've known Ms. McWain since her first year as a teacher, she taught my son in those early days. The impact of her kindness and gentleness is unimaginable, her enthusiasm for life and learning is contagious! Spend a few moments with her and you can't help but catch it. Hew students learn so much from her, not just speech and language, but kindness and compassion and courage and curiosity, things that will last a lifetime. She truly touches for the good the lives of each person that she meets, and it is an honor to know her.
Thanks for being such a wonderful person. Anthony really enjoyed your class.
It is really difficult to have a young child who is struggling and not developing like his peers. From the moment we met Ms. McWain, she put our hearts at ease knowing that our preschooler was in good hands and would be loved and treated with kindness and dignity while in her care. Ms. McWain was instrumental in helping our son to begin to learn to authentically communicate with others. Eight years later, he still has a framed picture of them together at his speech graduation!
Ms. McWain, you deserve to be acknowledged with this award for consistently going above and beyond to bring hope, love, and kindness to our community!
Ms. McWain is the ultimate cheerleader for her kids she works with. She fills her class with enriching experiences!
Dear Jana,
This is a well-deserved honor. You are an incredible teacher and have positively impacted each young mind that has benefited from your tutelage. Congratulations!
Ms.McWain, I couldnt think of anyone better suited for this nomination. I have seen you work miracles with your students!
CONGRATULATIONS
Ms.McWain, I couldnt think of anyone better suited for this nomination. I have seen you work miracles with your students!
CONGRATULATIONS
She is a great teacher an amazing person ,we were very honored and were so lucky to have her as our kid's teacher .She is really a life changer .Thank you for every thing you did to help our family ..Hasti's mom.
Ms. McWain is such a light. As a fellow early childhood educator in Tyler ISD, she is a leader, motivator, and encourager. I love every interaction with her! Go Ms. McWain!
Ms. McWain, you are such an inspiration to the lives that cross your path.
The patient and nurturing spirit that you have had with my son Stefvon Thomas will never be forgotten.
I pray that you receive the encouragement, and support from others that you have graciously given.
You are a rare, precious Jewel that fills the atmosphere with glimmers of hope even when words are unspoken.
May the works that you have done, continue to speak for you!
Much love,
Ms. Peoples
Congratulations!!! You deserve this so much! You are such an inspiration to other teachers in the way you teach creative lessons and how you serve and love your students!!
No one is more deserving! Ms. McWain is an amazing teacher whose optimism gives parents and her students hope and encouragement. I am very proud to have her in our schools!
I can't think of anyone more deserving!! Ms. McWain's Preschool Speech Program was life changing for my daughter. I have never met a teacher more dedicated or passionate. I still end up in happy tears, even 3 years after she taught my daughter, when I think about the impact she had on our family. Ms McWain set our daughter on a path to success with her incredible influence in the speech program. Even when the schools shut down, Ms McWain improvised and found a way to connect with her students and continue to help them. My family and I will ALWAYS remember Ms McWain. She is an angel on earth. Congratulations Ms McWain! Love, The Wong Family (Chloe Wong-PSP 2019-2020)
The best teacher I have ever met. Originally introduced to her as my child’s teacher, and then as a coworker. She has changed our lives and set the bar unimaginably high for all other teachers! We love her!
I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more than Jana McWain! She is truly a phenomenal woman and teacher. Most teachers have some magical moments woven into their year at school, but in Ms. McWain's class, it seems that every school day is one, big, magical moment. It is fun to visit her class each time I go in, because I just can't wait to see what fun, hands-on learning they are having that day. She makes every learning objective into an engaging and exciting experience for her students- they are always cooking, decorating, doing fun things like a traveling nail salon where students treat staff to a "manicure" to turning her classroom into a farm where students get to milk a cow that she has built. She also is the most friendly and positive person you will ever meet. Each colleague and she interacts with is blessed to work with her. We are SO proud of you, Ms. McWain!
Ms. McWain is such an amazing person, teacher & friend. My daughter, Joslynn, had the opportunity of having Ms. McWain as her speech teacher. She goes above and beyond for her students and always has a great attitude. My daughters speech and confidence improved dramatically during her time with Ms. McWain. We will forever be great full for how she impacted our lives.
She 100% deserves this award, she was fabulous with our daughter while we were living in Tyler. We love her
Ms. McWain continues to make such a positive impact on her students, colleagues, families and community. Her optimism is contagious and her love for her students is an inspiration. She loves her job and her mission to create meaningful experiences is evident in all she does. We are honored to have Ms. McWain in Tyler ISD.
