Audra “Nikki” Mitchum, a kindergarten teacher at Adams Elementary School, was nominated for National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year award. The LifeChanger of the Year program honors K-12 educators and school employees across the nation for their positive impact on students. Awardees receive cash prizes, which are to be shared with their schools or districts and used to support their work with students.
Sonia Santana, an Adams Elementary parent, nominated Mitchum. “Mrs. Mitchum is everything you hope for in a teacher: compassionate, creative, and genuinely invested in her students’ success,” said Santana. “She goes out of her way to create a warm and welcoming classroom, allowing kids to learn in fun, flexible ways that meet their needs.”
Mitchum was recognized for her close attunement to students’ academic and emotional needs. In a story featured on the LifeChanger of the Year award website, Santana said that Mitchum quickly realized Santana’s son was struggling in school due to shyness and anxiety. She brought his parents into contact with the school therapist, principal, and staff, and created a collaborative plan to support him…