Ashland City Schools educator up for National LifeChanger of the Year

Ashland Times-Gazette

Tue, January 27, 2026 at 10:02 AM UTC

2 min read

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ASHLAND – Edison Elementary School teacher Shanna Lawrence has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award.

National Life Group’s 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.

Lawrence was nominated anonymously for creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering classroom environment where students feel truly at home.

According to her nomination, Lawrence has more than 18 years of teaching experience. Lawrence builds her classroom around kindness, consistency, and respect. She designs a calm and welcoming space, filled with soft lighting, warm colors, and positive affirmations, where students feel emotionally safe and ready to learn.

Understanding that many of her students face challenges outside of school, she commits to being a steady and supportive presence. Her promise to never raise her voice is a hallmark of her teaching philosophy, and one that students have named among the most meaningful parts of their experience in her class.

If she wins the grand prize, she would earn $20,000 to share with the school/district.

Through clear expectations, well-organized materials, and intentional routines, Lawrence helps students develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning. Her motto, “Work Hard and Be Kind,” guides everything she does, and it leaves a lasting impact on every child who enters her classroom.

Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must

Visit here to read Lawrence’s nominee profile. If you're interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Lawrence up for National LifeChanger of the Year

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