September 16th, – Winooski, VT – JFK Elementary School behavior coach Amanda Babcock and guidance counselor Sarah Murphy have been nominated for the 2019-2020 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Babcock was nominated by her colleague, Savanna Bechard, for her tireless dedication to students. The majority of her students have experienced developmental trauma, and Babcock supports them by implementing behavior plans or incentives to help them successfully navigate through the day and receive the extra support they need. She has also stepped up to leadership roles in the school community, acting as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator. Since implementing PBIS and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) systems, there has been positive climate and cultural changes in the school.
“I have never had the privilege of working with someone as highly skilled, dedicated, and kind-hearted as Amanda Babcock,” said Bechard. “Each day, I continue to be amazed by her knowledge, intellect, and her commitment to our school. Amanda is a true LifeChanger.”
Murphy was nominated by her principal, Sara Raabe, for going above and beyond to meet her students’ physical and emotional needs. She was integral in creating a fall clothing drive to ensure the entire community had weather-appropriate clothing, and works closely with local businesses to donate food, shoes, coats, and boots to students in need.
Murphy is also deeply committed to her students’ emotional needs, working with local social workers and the Department of Children and Family to support students. She has also arranged for independent therapists to visit the school during the day, which has had an enormous positive impact on students, as many families do not have access to therapy outside of the school day. About 20% of the student population receives therapy in school.
“Sarah knows all of students and families by name, can tell you the history of our families, and is deeply committed to our families as their students move through our schools,” said Raabe. “Each day, I continue to be amazed by her knowledge, intellect, and her commitment to our community.”
About LifeChanger of the Year
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2019-2020 school year.
- (1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
- (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
- (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
- (1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
- (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2019-20, the Spotlight Award will be given to a nominee who has made a proven impact on school safety. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in April 2020 in Florida, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
- Make a positive impact in the lives of students
- Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride
- Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
- Possess a proven record of professional excellence
- Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
- Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
To view Mrs. Babcock and Ms. Murphy’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profiles, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.