[August 25, 2014]

Nominations for the 2014-2015 "LifeChanger of the Year" Program Now Open

National Life Group announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the 2014-2015 national LifeChanger of the Year program.

2013-14 National LifeChanger of the Year, Betty Chandler, with students at Eccleston Elementary School in Orlando, FL (Photo: Business Wire)

The national LifeChanger of the Year program was created by National Life Group to recognize and reward the very best K-12 school district educators and employees from around the country who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

"Each year I am amazed by the number of worthy nominations we receive," said Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group. "It is encouraging to see so many teachers and school district employees from all parts of the country who are changing lives for the better. We are thrilled to be able to give them some much-deserved recognition."

Past nominees and winners have included teachers, coaches, school nurses and guidance counselors, superintendents and principals, administrative staff, bus drivers and custodians.

Betty Chandler, National Grand Prize Winner for 2013-2014, has worked for Orange (News - Alert) County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida for more than 55 years. As a Parent Resource Liaison, Chandlr, 75, is a strong advocate for students and families in need. She works endless hours making sure children have food, shoes and clothes and has established partnerships with many community agencies in order to provide access for parents and students to much-needed resources. She is also there to listen when they just need a friend. Her efforts have helped to ensure that at-risk students are prepared to succeed in the classroom and the community.

Chandler was selected out of more than 435 nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"We know education is the key. Education will end poverty. So, therefore my dream was to become the best educator I could be," said Chandler. "When I went online and found the number of people who had commented on my profile, it just was tremendous. I was shocked."

This year, ten winners will be selected to receive both a personal cash award and a matching donation to their school. The Grand prize award is $10,000.

Nomination Procedures

Anyone can nominate K-12 school district educators and employees for the LifeChanger of the Year program. The national LifeChanger of the Year selection committee, which includes teachers, school employees, and past LifeChanger winners, will review all nominations received and select the ten winners based on the following selection criteria:

• A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
• An ability to positively add to the development of the school's atmosphere
• A leader in his or her activities at the school and/or district level
• A proven record of excellent performance at the professional level
• A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere

Eligibility

All K-12 education professionals and school district employees are eligible to participate. Nominees must be full-time educators, teachers, principals, or any member of the school's staff who makes a positive difference in the lives of students. The LifeChanger of the Year will be awarded without regard to race, gender, religion, age, national origin or disability.

More information about LifeChanger of the Year - as well as the nomination form - can be found at www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.

Deadline for nomination submissions is January 31, 2015.

For more information, visit www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140825005338/en/

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