The results are in for the LifeChanger of the Year Back to School Supply Grant Program, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation. 3,544 K-12 educators applied for the grant program, each reporting spending hundreds of dollars of their own money to purchase classroom supplies. On average, applicants spent $626, with more than half spending at least $500 and 34% spending more than $750.
“Teachers shouldn’t have to choose between their own financial well-being and creating the classroom environment their students deserve,” said Mehran Assadi, Chair, CEO and President of National Life Group.
The grants are an extension of LifeChanger of the Year, National Life Group’s national educator recognition program. Since 2011, the program has recognized more than 10,000 educators across 2,800 school districts and awarded more than $1 million in cash prizes and grants. The Back to School Supply Grants are designed to give K-12 educators additional resources to purchase the materials they know their students and classrooms need most.
Teachers Are Investing in More Than Pencils and Paper
The findings suggest that while the financial burden teachers face has remained persistent, the magnitude of what they’re being asked to fund is evolving. Educators are burdened with investing in resources designed to help students engage, experiment and learn in different ways.
“This year, thousands of K-12 teachers told us they’re reaching into their own pockets to invest in creating classrooms that help students engage in learning,” said Camillia Williams, program director for National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year. “These grants are about listening to educators, trusting them to identify what will make the greatest difference for their students and helping put those resources within reach.”
Get involved in the LifeChanger of the Year program
The LifeChanger of the Year program is a great way to recognize k-12 educators who go above and beyond in their schools and communities. It is also a great opportunity for agents to get involved in the 403(b)/457(b) market.
Help us congratulate our recipients who have publicly recognized their award.
Adelle McNiece, Miles Exploratory Learning Center in Tucson, AZ
Carlos Miranda, Paterson P-Tech High School in Paterson, NJ
Charlton Hudnell, Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach, FL
Erika Laycox, J.C. Fremont Elementary School in Carson City, NV
Felicia Bradford, Carl Hayden Community High School in Phoenix, AZ
Jamie Powell, Linda Abril Educational Academy in Phoenix, AZ
Jennifer Robson, A.H. Bangert Elementary School in New Bern, NC
Jeff Wolfhope, Grandview Middle School in Hickory, NC
Kristen Blom, John P. Holland Charter School in Woodland Park, NJ
Meghan McGetrick, Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth, FL
Meghan Rodin, Paxson Elementary School in Missoula, MO
Paula Davis, Henry H. Davis Family School in Camden, NJ
Sharon Simmons, Meyer Elementary in Houston, TX
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