Educators in Utah and Georgia were treated to surprise ceremonies this week as the LifeChanger of the Year awards season continues.
Both of them are top five finalists, which means they are in the running for the $10,000 grand prize that is split with an educator’s school. They both will travel to Naples, Fla., next month for our Conference of Champions where the grand prize will be awarded.
In Utah, Jay Porter is the vice principal and Title 1 coordinator at the Red Mountain Elementary School.
He was recognized for finding unique ways to build connections with students, from indoor snowball fights to walking trips to the local ice cream store. His generosity also extends beyond the school walls. At a conference in San Francisco last year he bought a bag full of food and handed it out to the homeless.
Like nearly all of the LifeChanger nominees, Jay had a lot of comments on his profile on the LifeChanger website from people praising his work and talking about how he’s changed lives.
“As a student teacher, a substitute teacher and a parent, I have been able to see Mr. Porter work in many different capacities,” wrote Kristen Anderson. “I don’t think there is anyone in the world more deserving of this award than he is. He genuinely cares for each and every student at our school. He makes sure that every child feels needed and welcome. My own kids adore him. The students that I have taught light up when they hear Mr. Porter’s voice on the intercom. They love seeing him at recess, and they truly feel loved by him. Thank you Mr. Porter for all that you do for you kids and for everyone else’s kids.”
And in Georgia, Casey Bethel is the science teacher at New Manchester High School who has been described as “a LifeChanger with a thirst for knowledge.”
He has conducted biochemistry research as part of Georgia Tech’s Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers, and then used that material in the classroom. He encourages and nurtures students, shares knowledge, and provides inspiration while making students feel welcome and supported. Outside the classroom, he sponsors Project Manhood, a club that provides young men with opportunities to give back to their community.
“As Science Department chair, I consider myself blessed to have Casey as a member of the department,” wrote Rachel Rogers. “From the moment I met him, I knew there was something special about him. When he enters a room, you feel his energy way before you hear the inspiration that comes from his mouth. He has the ability to literally shift the energy in a room to a more positive atmosphere.”
Casey Bethel is pictured below and Jay Porter is above, accepting the award from National Life’s Matt Josten.
