ORANGE PARK – Joseph Ragan, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) advanced studies teacher at Grove Park Elementary, and Ty Little, a mathematics teacher at Lakeside Elementary, have been nominated for the 2022–2023 National LifeChanger of the Year Award.

The prestigious award, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, rewards the best kindergarten-through-12th-grade educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Ragan was nominated by his colleague, Nicole Danz, for his dedication and for creating opportunities for growth outside the classroom.

“Nominating him as a LifeChanger is just one way I can show appreciation for the effort and time he gives every day for our Grove Park Gators,” Danz said.

Ragan is a Resource Team lead and robotics teacher, News Crew teacher and STEM lead.

According to Danz, “Mr. Ragan is the type of teacher who, when you walk into a room, greets you with a ‘Good Morning’ in a myriad of voices, waves, or follow-up questions about your day. He’s like this with teachers, students, and parents, too.”

At Grove Park, students face high poverty, behavioral issues, poor attendance and academic deficiencies. Ragan considers all those barriers while providing instruction and his “fun and required” activities. He encourages his students to find their purpose and provides them with activities such as computer coding, flying airplanes, building robots, 3D printing and playing chess.

Danz also nominated Little. She said he is known for his engaging and humorous teaching style that resonates with his students. He is a strict teacher who assigns homework every night, but his assignments contain jokes, funny clues and students’ names. In addition, Little creates his games for students to play, which keeps them engaged and having fun while learning.

Little is credited with helping Danz’s daughter achieve her goal of receiving a Five on her standardized math test, something she had not accomplished in previous years.

“He deserves merit and recognition, not because of her fire, but because he genuinely cares about his students and their love of coming to school, even in sixth grade,” Danz said. LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations each school year from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year teachers will be awarded during the current school year.

One Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000. Four Grand Prize Finalists will receive $5,000 and 10 winners will receive $3,000. One Spirit Award Winner will receive $5,000. This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination.

Also, one Capstone Award Winner will receive $3,000. This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the school year, and one Spotlight Award Winner will receive $5,000. This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year.

All money will be shared with their schools and school district.

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of former winners and educational professionals and will be announced in early 2023. 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; and adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.

A resource page with ideas for celebrating nominees can be found at lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.

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