Conner Middle School eighth grade math teacher Kirby Harshbarger has been nominated for the 2018-2019 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Harshbarger
Harshbarger is being recognized as a LifeChanger in her community for her willingness to help all students succeed in mathematics. She co-sponsors and serves on many groups at school, including the Colts Squad and Ski Club. She also assists with practices and games after school.
Harshbarger created the Accelerated Math class for students who needed a challenge. She has also served as representative for the state-legislated Committee of Mathematics Achievement and currently serves on various committees at the district level.
Harshbarger was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.
“Ms. Harshbarger is probably the best teacher a child and parent could ask for,” the nominator said. “She works hard to prepare her students for high school and college, teaching them to be kind to others and give back to their community.”
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 2018-2019 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 2018-19, the Spotlight Award will be given to a nominee who works in a counseling role (e.g, guidance counselor, social worker). 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 May 2019 in Hawaii, 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 here.
To view Harshbarger’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, click here.
National Life Group Foundation
