Claybon Elementary School Music Teacher Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award
Claybon Elementary School music teacher and musical theatre director Jennifer Pratt was recently notified that she has been nominated for the 2017-2018 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards kindergarten through 12th grade educators and school district employees across the country who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Pratt was nominated by her former student, Alli Crabtree.
"I am no longer her student, but I still receive Mrs. Pratt's love and support in my plan to pursue musical theatre,” said Crabtree. “Without her guidance, many students, along with myself, would not have found our passion, our purpose, or our joy, which is music."
Crabtree added that Pratt is an educator who inspires children to follow their dreams by sharing a love of music. She went on to explain that she has a presence that lights up the room and spends countless hours ensuring her students understand the material. In addition, Crabtree noted that she helps create a social environment that allows students to express themselves freely.
Pratt joined Forney ISD in 2008 and has been the music teacher and musical theatre director at Claybon Elementary School her entire career with the District. She was named the Claybon Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2014 and was also named the District’s Elementary Teacher of the Year that same year. Pratt was also a finalist for the Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2014.
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 2017-2018 school year. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 that will be shared with their school/district.
The National Life Group Foundation will award one Grand Prize Winner, four Grand Prize Finalists, 10 LifeChanger Award winners, a Spirit Award winner and a Spotlight Award winner.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will be honored at a national awards ceremony in spring 2018 in Bermuda, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed.
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 and adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.
To view Ms. Pratt’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
Pictured, from left to right, Suzanne McWilliams, Forney ISD Superintendent of Schools; Alli Crabtree; Jennifer Pratt; Claybon Elementary School Principal Kristie Crabtree, and Dr. Justin Terry, Forney ISD Deputy Superintendent.