Cleveland Heights-University Heights Teacher Nominated for Service Award

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - A Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools teacher has been nominated for a national award. Karen Willmitch, a third and fifth grade intervention specialist at Roxboro Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

The award recognizes K-12 public and private school educators across the US who make a difference in the lives of students. The award is sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation.

Kristi Glasier, Willmitch's colleague, nominated her for the award. The LifeChanger of the Year group said Willmitch was nominated for her "positive teaching style, dedication and ability to create a positive rapport with students and colleagues."

“Mrs. Willmitch has consistently been an impressive colleague who treats students and staff with respect,” Glasier said in her nomination form. “She is hard-working, eager to collaborate and recognize goodness, and is committed to helping students progress academically, behaviorally and emotionally. She is a positive force and a LifeChanger in our community.”

Willmitch is a member of the Teacher-Administrator Partnership, a committee that works to maintain a positive climate and culture at school. She is also involved in a co-teaching model for her math instruction with Glasier, who has known Willmitch for a decade.

The LifeChanger awards receive hundreds of nomination annually. This year, the organization will give out 15 awards to individuals. There will also be a "National Spirit Award" given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nominee.

Winners receive a cash award that is split between the school and the nominee. The national Grand Prize is $10,000. Winners will be announced via surprise award ceremonies held at the schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals.

The LifeChanger of the Year Award organization says 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

Photo from CHUH Schools