Concord Teacher Up for National Award

CONCORD, CA -- Cynthia Burnham, an eighth grade resource teacher at El Dorado Middle School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national award recognizing the best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the country.

The LifeChanger of the Year program, sponsored by the National Life Group insurance company's foundation, recognizes and rewards educators and employees who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Burnham was nominated by a colleague, Gidget Duran, and was recognized for going above and beyond to support the Concord community, such as her participation at the school Winter Festival, where staff members “adopt” families and help out community members in need.

“Mrs. Burnham is a very dedicated teacher and co-worker,” Duran said. “She has faced some health difficulties over the past year, but she still comes to work. Her students brighten her day and make her smile. Even students who are now seniors in high school still come to see her.”

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a 16th prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination.

Each winner receives a cash award that's split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida.

All winners are to be announced in Spring 2017 and will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following 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
• Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
• A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
• A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
• Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.

To view Cynthia Burnham’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, visit https://lifechangeroftheyear.com/cynthia-burnham/.

Image via National Life Group Foundation