LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rebecca Kandel was nominated by her colleague, Sarah Graham.

Ms. Kandel devotes her time, attention, love, and understanding to her students. She consistently builds positive relationships to ensure each child in her classroom gets what they need to be successful. She advocates for each child's needs in a positive manner. Ms. Kandel is relentless in ensuring her students are successful at school.
 
Not only does she go above and beyond for her students, but she also consistently creates a positive school climate. This year she worked with the school counselor, Ms. Burkett, to run a successful fundraiser for student programs. A Color-Run was set up and raised thousands of dollars to support student programs in the school. Ms. Kandel was critical in creating the event, facilitating its success with many moving parts, and ensuring that students and families could participate in the fun event. She also builds a positive school climate with staff by creating bulletin boards that showcase staff members, organizing events for the faculty, and being a positive force within the school.

Ms. Kandel shows leadership in her classroom and the school as a whole. She works with the student council to build leadership in students. She has organized successful events through the student council, which helps them create a positive impact in the community. 

Ms. Kandel's classroom is a place where all students feel welcome and supported. She creates a community of love and respect within her classroom. Her students feel loved and supported, which fosters a comprehensive learning environment. She also ensures that students can access not only the learning standards, but outside learning experiences. This year, students visited community facilities, as well. She took her class to the firehouse and other local businesses to learn about the careers and what it takes to do these jobs. Ms. Kandel creates opportunities for her students beyond just what is expected of her. 

"As you can see, Ms. Kandel is an exceptional teacher and a committed leader. She creates opportunities for her students and faculty that promote success, passion, and kindness. She is humble, kind, and one of the most generous people I have ever met. I feel honored to have known and worked with her for the past four years," said Graham.