St. Regis Elementary School sixth-grade teacher Tim Yeager has been nominated for the 2017-18 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, 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.

Yeager was nominated by his superintendent Joe Steele. He has changed the culture of his classroom and school by providing students with alternative options, from seating arrangements to learning platforms. Yeager has been so successful that students who have been regularly referred to the office for discipline have seldom been referred from any of their classes. Additionally, his class collectively improved their math scores on the NWEA MAP test in the spring.

“Mr. Yeager is a kind, humble and selfless young man who loves his students, as evidenced by his actions and demeanor around them,” said Steele. “He has taken the students most impacted by poverty and has motivated and encouraged them to see themselves as not only capable, but better than their life situation.”

Yeager was recognized for teaching his students to think beyond themselves. He worked with his class to develop the Mineral County Makes a Difference backpack program, so students who could not afford school supplies would receive a backpack with supplies. The project incorporated cross-curricular activities and required the students to plan, publicize, research and conduct the fundraising efforts. Additionally, they volunteered their time and services at the community flea market to take in donations to fill the backpacks with food, clothing and school supplies. His class filled 50 backpacks with materials, and the students gained a sense of teamwork and community through their project.

In addition to teaching, Yeager coaches little league baseball, junior high and high school football and high school basketball. He has also been instrumental in developing the Summit Personalized Learning Platform at the elementary level.

“Mr. Yeager has been recognized by his peers as a positive influence here at St. Regis,” Steele said. “His influence and contagious attitude inspires students and staff. In a word, he is selfless, and having him on our staff is an honor. Mr. Yeager truly does change lives and makes a difference in our students’ lives.”

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2017-2018 school year. One grand prize winner will be selected and will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school. Also, four grand prize finalists will be selected and each will received $5,000 and 10 LifeChanger Award winners will receive $3,000 to be shared with their schools. There will also be a Spirit Award and Spotlight Award winner. Awards will be given in the spring of 2018.

“I am truly honored to have been nominated for National Life Changer of the Year by my superintendent. I can’t thank the community, staff, administration and students of St. Regis enough for the opportunity they have given me,” said Yeager in a statement on Facebook. “It has been humbling and life changing and I couldn’t be happier here. Also, the town of Columbus has had a huge impact on me to becoming a teacher… once again thank you to everyone who helped me along the way.”

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and all nominees must make a positive impact in 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; and adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards. Public comments to support Yeagers nomination can be made at www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.