Coshocton educator Natalie Prince nominated for national LifeChanger of the Year award

Coshocton Elementary School teacher Natalie Prince was nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. 

National Life Group’s 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. 

Prince was nominated for her outstanding dedication to fostering a physically, emotionally, and academically supportive classroom for students in a self-contained kindergarten through first-grade setting. Her thoughtful approach ensures every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Prince’s classroom is carefully designed to meet diverse needs. Students with physical disabilities can “furniture surf” for support, while visual aids, sign language, communication visuals, and voice-recorded buttons provide engagement and accessibility. Her room has a calm-down corner that allows students to regulate their emotions in a safe space, fostering independence and self-confidence.

She leads with patience and teamwork, guiding paraprofessionals while giving students space to explore, make mistakes, and learn. She celebrates every academic and personal achievement, whether it’s walking independently, completing a task, or spelling a first name. Her lessons are hands-on, engaging, and tailored to each student’s individual goals, reinforcing both skill development and self-esteem.

Through her calm, nurturing, and intentional approach, Prince creates a classroom where students feel valued, capable, and celebrated. Her commitment to her students’ growth and independence makes her a true LifeChanger in education.

Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300 plus school districts. The program has awarded more than $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

One grand prize winner will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district. Four grand prize finalists will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district. Ten LifeChanger Award Winners will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district. One Spirit Award Winner will be 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. One Spotlight Award Winner will be given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. 

If you're interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.