DENVILLE — Morris County School of Technology teacher, Jennifer Skomial, has been nominated for the 2017-2018 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Jennifer Skomial was nominated by a colleague who she mentored last year. As a lead teacher, Mrs. Skomial works hard to help all of her colleagues find success. She is actively involved in her school, making herself available for students, staff and her community when needed. “She is always pleasant, smiling and encouraging,” the nominator said. “She is a great role model on a professional and personal level.”
Ms. Skomial teaches the Academy for Education and Learning at Morris County School of Technology. Preparing high school students for careers in the field of education has been a full-circle moment in her career. As a junior and senior at Morris Knolls high school, Skomial attended the same teacher prep program that she now teaches. Now, she spends her days preparing students to teach in the on-site preschool, planning guest speakers and field trips that will further explore careers in education, and creating lessons that will engage her students in all aspects of child development, classroom management, and other teaching-related topics.
“I state with conviction that I have never worked with a more genuinely devoted teacher. Mrs. Skomial is innovative, creative, and collaborative. She consistently brings out the very best in her students and colleagues,” said Lynne Jackson, Principal.
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2017-2018, there will be a total of 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. The awards structure is as follows:
- 1 National Grand Prize Winner
- 4 Grand Prize Finalists
- 10 LifeChanger Award Winners
- 1 Spirit Award Winner
- 1 Spotlight Award Winner
Each winner will receive a cash award that is 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 Bermuda. Winners will be announced in Spring 2018.
Winners 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
