WV Tech educator nominated for national LifeChanger of the Year Award

Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center law enforcement and criminal justice teacher Juan Loera has been nominated for the 2021-2022 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

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.

Loera was nominated by his colleague, Betty Palmer. He is starting his fifth year as a CTE Law Enforcement program instructor at one of Washington state's 14 technical skills centers. With a deep background in military and law enforcement, he brings extensive knowledge and experience to the program. Loera took over the well-built program and further developed it into a positive learning environment that aligns with the professional standards of the industry. He recognizes students' backstories and educational needs, and adjusts his teaching strategies to best meet them. 

Loera has also created numerous opportunities for individual students to be successful to the best of their abilities, such as a leader cadet program that helps with class structure and accountability. The program enables students to develop critical leadership skills that not only help them in the classroom, but will support them after graduation. 

About LifeChanger of the Year

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021-2022 school year.

(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.

(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.

(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

(1) Capstone Award Winner - This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2019-20 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.

(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must

• Make a positive impact in the lives of students
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
• Possess a proven record of professional excellence
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standard

To view Loera’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.