Lake Elementary music teacher nominated for national LifeChanger award

Lake Elementary School music teacher Danielle Shaub has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award, which recognizes outstanding K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who make a significant difference in students’ lives through excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Shaub, who was nominated anonymously, is in her 22nd year of teaching in the Lake Local School District. A certified music educator, she teaches more than 800 students in grades 2-6 through general music classes and directs the fifth- and sixth-grade choirs.

Shaub is known for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to take creative risks, collaborate and build lifelong musical skills. She co-establishes behavior expectations with students, reinforces them through consistent routines, and builds strong relationships by learning students’ names, interests and learning styles. Her curriculum reflects a wide range of cultures and musical traditions, helping students feel represented while learning to value diversity. Through student voice, leadership opportunities and a growth mindset approach, she emphasizes confidence, resilience and ownership of learning, particularly during performance preparation.

Outside the classroom, Shaub serves as Ohio Music Educators Association state president-elect and as an advocacy representative for both the Ohio Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education. She regularly presents at professional conferences and adjudicates music contests. She is also involved in student leadership organizations, PBIS training, musical accompaniment and private instruction. Through multiple grants focused on inclusion, technology and diverse musical experiences, Shaub advocates for equitable access to music education and believes every child deserves music as part of their education.

“Ms. Shaub is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and engaging classroom environment that promotes musical growth, personal confidence and social connection,” the nominator said. “From the first day of school, she focuses on building a classroom culture rooted in respect, kindness and belonging.”

Since its launch in 2011, the LifeChanger of the Year program has recognized more than 8,600 K-12 educators and school employees in more than 2,300 school districts nationwide. The program has awarded more than $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools.

Awards include one grand prize winner who will receive $20,000 to share with their school or district; four grand prize finalists who will receive $5,000 each; 10 LifeChanger award winners who will receive $3,000 each; one Spirit Award winner, selected based on community support, who will receive $5,000; and one Spotlight Award winner, given annually to a nominee in a specific discipline, who will also receive $5,000.

Winners are selected by a committee of former award recipients and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, ethical standards and a commitment to building nurturing learning environments that positively impact students and school culture.