Marcia Kessler, technology integration and data specialist at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, has been nominated for the 2015-2016 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Kessler was nominated by friend Travis Ouellette.
Kessler firmly believes in the power of technology in education. She goes above and beyond to educate staff and students about technology such as Google Classroom, Google Apps and Prezi. Throughout her career, Kessler has worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition from one data management software platform to another, and she makes certain that data submitted to the state meets all the standards and requirements.
“She does so much more than technology integration and data reporting,” said Ouellette. “Formerly a librarian, Kessler is someone the students can confide in, and they view her as one of their own.”
In addition to her duties as an administrator, Kessler serves as secondary advisor for the yearly student council conference and works with the Gay-Straight Alliance and the Non-Traditional clubs.
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations. For 2015-2016, a total of 16 winners will be chosen by the selection committee to receive cash awards that are split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony.
Nominees must be full-time school employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:
– A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
– An ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere
– Involvement in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
– A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
– A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
– Adherence to high moral and ethical standards
Winners will be announced in spring 2016.
This year, a new prize, called the “LifeChanger Spirit Award,” will be given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his or her nomination. Support can be demonstrated through positive comments on the nominee’s profile page, social media posts, and school and community recognition activities. A resource page with ideas for ways to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.
To view Ms. Kessler’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.