Hunterdon Central Regional High School business teacher Samantha Billig has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.
RARITAN TWP. - Hunterdon Central Regional High School business teacher Samantha Billig has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes K-12 public and private school teachers and employees across the United States, according to a news release.
Billig was nominated by a colleague, Julie Nealon, as well as a former student, Annie Hosler. She has previously been named a Philly Teacher of the Year, Eagles Teacher of the Year and Hunterdon County Teacher of the Year.
"I first met Mrs. Billig as a freshman in her Digital Multimedia Class," said Hosler. "I will never forget the genuine grin she welcomed each student with. This grin did not fade as the semester progressed, and it still greets new students the same way it greeted me."
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Billig has created multiple initiatives to add to her school and district's atmosphere, including "Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn."
During these monthly lunches, she meets with teachers and offers help in a specific teaching area in which she can provide a beneficial learning experience for her colleagues.
For example, she has used the lunch and learns as an opportunity to introduce the use of Google Sites in the classroom and how to implement them in the most effective way.
She also initiated Professional Development on Wheels, where schools can contact her and arrange to receive professional development from Teachers of the Year in the district.
Hosler, who is currently working as a teacher's assistant, credits Billig as someone who has shown her what it means to be an outstanding teacher.
"Now that I'm a teacher's assistant, I have a heightened appreciation for Mrs. Billig's dedication to creating an inclusive and productive environment for students," she said. "There is something great to be said for a teacher to be able to catch the attention of a group of fourteen to eighteen-year-olds and hone in on something that truly excites them and makes them want to be there.
"She not only cares for the general population of students, but for the individual and everything they can bring to the classroom. I'm confident that she is an incredible educator and LifeChanger."
For 2016-17, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a 16th prize, the "National Spirit Award," is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination.
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 Naples, Fla. Winners will be announced in the spring.
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