A third-grade teacher at Turner Woods Elementary School was surprised to find out she is one of five grand-prize finalists in the nation for a prestigious award that also comes with benefits for her school.
Dr. Amy London was called to the TWES media center April 11 under the guise of a faculty meeting by Principal Jeffrey Tharpe. The principal said he watched London as she entered the media center.
He said it took her a few minutes to notice a message on the big screen television that said, “Dr. Amy London, LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Finalist.”
LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group, a financial services company more than 170 years old the serves K-12 educators nationwide.
Allen McCook with the Valu Teachers organization spoke about the LifeChanger program. He said the program was created to shine a light on the field of education, celebrate school employees and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
McCook said more than 6,700 school employees from more than 2,000 school districts have been recognized since 2011, and more than $650,000 has been awarded to schools and school employees.
“This 2021-22 school year, there were 843 nominations nationwide. Of those, 31 were from Georgia and of those two were from right here in Jones County,” he said.
McCook said London was nominated anonymously.
Tharpe read the nomination that was followed by a video made by London’s current and former students. Each of them talked about the impact she had on their lives.
McCook said as one of the five finalists, a check for $2,500 was in the mail to London and another $2,500 was being sent to TWES. He said if London is the grand prizewinner, she and the school would both receive another $2,500.
Surprise!
London said she was totally surprised by the April 11 event.
“It was a great honor to be nominated, but to be chosen as a finalist is mind boggling,” she said.
When the honoree entered the media center for the expected ‘faculty meeting,’ she said her colleagues were standing along a wall, so she stood with them. London said when she saw McCook, she thought he was going to talk to them about retirement. It was only after they were directed to come and sit down that she saw her name on the big screen.
“I thought my gosh, what do I do?” she recalled.
Of course, the teacher was happy about winning $2,500, but she said it was huge that a contribution was made to the school.
“As teachers, we never have enough time or enough money,” she said,
London said she hopes the money will give the school the edge needed to get something done. She said her preference would be writing training for students.
The finalist now waits for the next step in the contest.
London nomination
Dr. Amy London is a veteran educator who, throughout her career, has exemplified what it means to be a LifeChanger. Dr. London is centered on getting to know each student and his/her family. A few years ago, she had a student in her classroom who had recently moved to the area. Unfortunately, the student’s family was financially unable to return to their former town to get their belongings. Dr. London personally raised $1,400 for this family to move their belongings to their new home. On more than one occasion, Dr. London has sponsored a student to attend a school trip, paid overdue lunch money, and even helped families with vehicle repairs. She does none of these things for fame or glory, but to help make a student’s life better. It’s not just her generosity that impacts the atmosphere of her building, but her caring attitude, as well. She strives to create a family atmosphere in her classroom where each student knows they are accepted, safe, and loved. She is what makes the school a family.
Within the school, Dr. London is seen as a leader. She is an expert in several areas of education, including curriculum, instruction, and educational policies/law. She’s also a highly effective teacher. Dr. London has served as a grade level lead teacher and a member of the school improvement committee, School Council, and grantwriting teams for her school and district. She was also the writer for her school’s most recent SACS review. When a teacher has a question or needs advice, Dr. London is most often their first stop. She regularly hosts pre-service teachers from the local colleges and universities. With her background in curriculum, instruction, and instructional coaching, she is the perfect mentor to help the pre-service teachers prepare for their first job through student teaching. She has extensive training in multiple areas of education and is an asset to the school and district.
Dr. London has an outstanding record of student achievement. She works tirelessly with her students to ensure they succeed. She has a talent for motivating her students to work hard and believe in themselves. Her students leave her classroom prepared for the next grade level and feeling like winners!
Our country is filled with teachers who are making a difference every day in the lives of children just like Dr. London; however, not all teachers are LifeChangers. Dr. London is truly a LifeChanger because she not only impacts the lives of the students she teaches, but she changes their lives. Because of her impact on their lives, her students have hope, determination, and a belief in themselves that will continue to change their lives forever.
This is why Dr. London should be the LifeChanger of the Year for 2021-22.
