EAST BRUNSWICK – A Churchill Junior High School teacher has been nominated for the 2018-19 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Beth Shobe was nominated by her former colleague, Kelly Grotrian, for her passion and dedication to helping her students and colleagues. In addition to teaching her ninth grade science students, she mentors new teachers, is actively involved with the Teacher Leadership program, and serves as a dedicated union representative and all-around advocate for students and staff, according to information provided by LifeChanger of the Year.
She is a long-time educator in the East Brunswick School District who has worked with students in grades 8-12 and has acted as the chief building representative for her colleagues. Most recently, she took over as the lead director for the second annual East Brunswick EdCamp – Exit 9.
“Beth will tell you it was a successful event because of the support she had from administrators, staff and the overall community – but I know the event was a success because of the great leadership from Beth,” Grotrian said in her nomination.
Shobe “bleeds green,” her school’s color, and understands that it takes compromise and heart to be successful as a leader, according to the statement.
“Beth is the most outgoing educator I have ever met, and she gives 150 percent to her profession. To her, it’s not a job, but a way of life, and she loves the life she lives,” Grotrian said in her nomination.
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.
Seventeen individual awards will be given during the 2018-19 school year. All prizes will be shared with the winners’ school/district. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000. Four grand prize finalists will receive $5,000. Ten LifeChanger Award winners will receive $3,000. One Spirit Award winner, whose community demonstrates the most support for the person’s nomination, will receive $5,000. One Spotlight Award winner, who works in a counseling role, will receive $5,000.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees.
Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will be honored at a national awards ceremony in April in Hawaii, where the grand prize winner will be revealed.
For more information, visit lifechangeroftheyear.com.