Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School inclusive education teacher Melissa Bays 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. 

Bays was nominated by her colleague, Cliff Reder, for focusing on life skills, self-advocacy, independence, and fostering friendships, ensuring every student can thrive in an inclusive school environment.

A strong advocate for inclusion, Bays collaborates with teachers, families, and community partners to integrate her students into general classrooms, electives, and school clubs. She celebrates milestones and creates meaningful opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Receiving the LifeChanger Award would allow Ms. Bays to expand her initiatives, including creating a Sensory Room,” said Reder. “This calm space helps students manage anxiety, recognize triggers, and regain control, supporting their success at school and beyond.”

About LifeChanger of the Year

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.

  • (1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed 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

  • Make a positive impact on 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
  • Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/. 

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