LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nancy Ward's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

Ms. Ward truly loves her job as an instructional coach and will tell anyone who asks, "We are here for the children." As an educator since 1999, she believes it is her duty and responsibility to help her students. The best way she can do that is to help her teachers learn the most effective strategies and have access to the materials they need.

In 2004, Ms. Ward had surgery and ended up in a medically induced coma for three and a half months.

"This was when I realized her impact on the students and families she served. I met many of her parents as they visited the ICU and prayed for her recovery," said the nominator.

The doctors did not expect her to survive, but she fought her way back. When she woke up, her first words were, "Do I still have a job?" 

She missed an entire school year as she fought her way back to being able to walk, speak clearly, and drive. She was able to return to work the following year but could not drive for another six months. She returned to the classroom as an EIP teacher because, as she will share with anyone who asks, "Every child deserves to learn to read." She has a true gift for helping children learn to read.

"I would drive her across Jones County to do the job she loved and was impressed with her determination and grit to regain her independence," said her nominator.

In 2006, when she transitioned to an instructional coach, she stayed in Jones County but moved to the elementary school in her own neighborhood. Mattie Wells Elementary has a high economically disadvantaged population, and students often struggle with mastering skills. Ms. Ward feels fate led her to be at the school because she wants to help the teachers reach these students. 

Education is genuinely Ms. Ward's passion, and she spends most of her free time learning all she can to help the students she serves. She has worked to acquire several different degrees and endorsements, including elementary education, reading, and leadership as well as a reading endorsement. Ms. Ward completed all of the coursework for a PhD. in Curriculum and Instruction but could not defend her dissertation before the deadline due to supporting her parents through health issues. She is currently obtaining her dyslexia endorsement.

Ms. Ward firmly believes in being a life-long learner and will tell teachers, "We must be willing to do whatever it takes so all children can experience success each day." She knows that she can, and should, use her passion and excitement for learning to help fuel teachers and students in their quest for academic success. She works to make her visits to classrooms positive exchanges for the teachers and students that she serves.

"I have been impressed with how she always seeks little ways to help ensure her teachers feel appreciated," said her nominator.