River View, Ridgewood teachers up for award

River View Elementary School second grade teacher Reece Brown was nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year. National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who exemplify excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Brown was nominated anonymously for her commitment to building a positive, supportive classroom environment centered on strong relationships, clear expectations and emotional safety.

As a first-year educator, Brown takes the time to get to know each student individually, celebrating their unique identities, interests and backgrounds to foster a strong sense of belonging. She establishes consistent and clear expectations for both behavior and academics, creating a structured, welcoming space where students can thrive.

Brown promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to see mistakes as opportunities for learning and celebrating their progress along the way. Through a focus on kindness, empathy and respect, she ensures students feel emotionally safe and confident in sharing their thoughts, ideas and challenges. Brown’s interactive lessons keep students excited about learning and connected to the material.

“Above all, Ms. Brown’s goal is to create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to grow, both academically and personally,” the nominator said.

Ridgewood Middle School fourth grade science teacher Dawn Ward also was nominated for the National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year. Ward was nominated anonymously.

Ward has developed her teaching style over the last 25 years, starting with building strong relationships with both students and their parents. She gives her students notes to take home that emphasize an accomplishment for the day. This makes parents more comfortable communicating with Ward, as a positive relationship has already been established with them. Parents have expressed how much they appreciate her teaching style and welcome the chance for their children to have her as an educator again.

Ward’s goal is to connect with each of her students so they feel confident and safe in her classroom. She begins her year with a lesson about the importance of words, using a tube of toothpaste to demonstrate that hurtful language can not just be taken back. By getting to know her students, Ward highlights their strengths and helps them build confidence in the classroom. Once students have this support, they are more willing to participate in subjects they have less knowledge in.

“Ms. Ward wants to help her students understand that her classroom is a safe place to make mistakes because that is how they learn. But all in all, it comes down to Ms. Ward not demanding their respect, but respecting them and earning theirs,” the nominator said.

Since 2011 LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators and school employees in over 2,300 school districts. The program has awarded over $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 his/her 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 — given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his/her nomination — will receive $5,000 to be shared with his/her school/district. One Spotlight Award winner — given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year — will receive $5,000 to be shared with his/her 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. To be considered for an award, nominees must do the following:

—Make a positive impact on 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.

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