Pictured: Woods Principal Georgeanna Jones, Ms. Birdsong, National Life Group Representative Donna Kvapil, Woods Assistant Principal Lindsey Lott (Courtesy)

Tyler ISD Communications

A Tyler ISD kindergarten teacher is being recognized for making an impact in the lives of her students.

Gina Birdsong, a kindergarten teacher at Andy Woods Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the best public and private school educators and employees across the U.S. who are making a difference in the lives of students.

Nominations for the award closed at midnight Jan. 1.

Ms. Birdsong’s nomination by a parent reads:

“Gina Birdsong is a LifeChanger! Every day she works with struggling students and gives them confidence through her small group instruction. She even tutors these students over the summer, giving up her own time to make sure her students succeed and feel a sense of accomplishment. Ms. Birdsong will tell you that it is a joy to help students. The most rewarding thing for her is to see a student succeed. She tells her students to always finish what they start and to always think “win-win” in a difficult situation. Ms. Birdsong instills the value of leadership in her students. She gives them the courage to achieve success for themselves and to lead by example.”

Ms. Birdsong will compete against hundreds of nominees nationwide to be one of 15 named LifeChanger of the Year. Winners will be announced this spring.

Each of the top 15 LifeChanger winners and their school is awarded with cash prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000. The top 15 also are eligible for an additional $5,000 cash prize for the Spirit Award, which is decided with the help of the community.

Some of the ways to show your support for the Spirit Award include:

Leaving a comment on their LifeChanger’s profile and let them know why you appreciate them.

Share their profile on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram using #LCOY.

Hold a pep rally.

Congratulate them in a morning announcement.

Hang posters around your school campus.