ALBANY — Albany Community School behavior specialist Jennifer Simpson 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.
Simpson was nominated by her principal, Kelly MacMartin, for going above and beyond to build strong relationships with her students.
MacMartin says she has the special ability to see students for who they truly are, and value them fully.
Simpson conveys to all students that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Through her strong relationships, she’s able to build a deep level of trust with everyone, especially her school’s most vulnerable children.
Most recently, Simpson supported her school in adding the expectation “Be Accepting” as one of the primary school-wide behavioral goals for the year.
This came at a time when some marginalized students were receiving backlash for their specific identities.
With her team, Simpson chose to confront the issue head-on and designed and implemented hazing, harassment, and bullying training to educate students about the laws and school policies in support of all students.
“Jen has great stamina and is tireless and unstoppable when it comes to connecting with and supporting all of our students at ACS,” said MacMartin. “I couldn’t imagine a more qualified candidate to receive this award. Jen holds students at the forefront of all decisions
she makes. She is a life-changer.”
