CRANDALL, Texas — A 2nd grade teacher at Crandall ISD’s Barbara Walker Elementary School has been nominated for the 2015-16 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.
CRANDALL, Texas — A 2nd grade teacher at Crandall ISD’s Barbara Walker Elementary School has been nominated for the 2015-16 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Dana Metz of Forney, Texas, was nominated by a fellow colleague, Jeannie Dykman, for being an outstanding teacher and campus leader.
“She is an exceptional teacher, and her students and families benefit greatly from the compassion and heart she brings to her daily teaching,” said Dykman. “She leads with a positive attitude and her influence is one of excellence.”
“It's a little overwhelming to be put in the spotlight just for doing something that I love so much, Metz told inForney.com. “I feel so honored that my colleagues and administration would consider me for such an amazing award.”
“I have been so supported and encouraged along the way,” said Metz. “Whether I become a finalist or not, I feel so affirmed for the work I do every day.”
The LifeChanger of the Year program, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, recognizes and awards kindergarten through 12th grade educators at private and public schools across the country each year for “making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership,” according to the program.
“Mrs. Metz is an outstanding teacher and campus leader. She is passionate about student learning, growth and success,” the nomination stated. “She conducts home visits and phone calls to build productive partnerships to promote student achievement. She has served as the second grade team leader for three years, bringing fresh ideas and solutions to benefit the entire team. Her lessons are creative, engaging and rigorous. She also spends time collaborating with other grade level teams to share ideas and promote excellence throughout the school.”
“Metz integrates technology in the classroom and maintains high engagement with her students through electronic media, all while enhancing the rigor and depth of her courses,” continued the nomination. “She also serves on the faculty advisory committee, the literacy specialist team and as a professional learning community facilitator. She conducts training on a variety of topics, including how to improve daily instruction.”
16 winners will be chosen from a selection committee to receive cash awards in spring 2016. The awards are split between the individual winner and their school.
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.
To view Metz’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile page, visit https://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/dana-metz/.
