NHS’ Hoffman nominated for award
Bri Brasher
NLJ Reporter
For the second year in a row, Newcastle High School woodshop teacher Bryce Hoffman has been nominated for the National Life Group Foundation’s annual LifeChanger of the Year award. According to a news release from the organization, LifeChanger of the Year is a nationwide program that “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.”
Hoffman continues to exude these qualities in his role at Newcastle High School, efforts that are recognized by peers. While Hoffman said he is not one for “self-promotion,” he did acknowledge that the accolade is reassuring.
“It is nice to know that your work doesn’t go unnoticed. Sometimes as teachers we can become isolated in our own content areas,” said Hoffman, who suspects that Mr. Stith may be responsible for his nominations. “He’s (Mr. Stith) pretty known for giving teachers credit and students too. He’s excellent at finding grant money and opportunities for kids and teachers to earn scholarships and things for the classroom.”
Hoffman also can’t help but share the spotlight with his colleagues. He said he and Stith are part of the same professional learning community started several years ago at the high school. Multiple PLCs were set up for teachers to work together in content areas and/or grade levels to make decisions that will affect kids in the most positive ways, according to Hoffman. Most recently, Hoffman said, PLCs are looking at deficiency data, and in response, the high school started building in “recovery time” that is specific and targeted to students to make the most of their time and improve grades. PLCs are one way that Hoffman is making an impact at Newcastle High School, though his nomination speaks more to his character.
The news release said Hoffman was anonymously nominated for making a positive impact on his students, school and staff professional development. Hoffman was also praised for his work in creating a safe working environment and an atmosphere that fosters individual student success.
According to the release, “Hoffman is highly involved and engaged at the school level. He coaches the high school girls’ soccer team and takes on side projects such as laser engraving plaques for the school’s trophies in order to minimize costs. Hoffman also set up a system to track the academic progress of students who are struggling the most and make sure each of their teachers are aware. Without Hoffman’s efforts, these students would be more likely to slip through the cracks. It is because of this drive to better the staff, students, and school, that I and other colleagues hold Bryce in such high esteem,” the nominator said. “For these reasons, I sincerely offer my support in nominating Bryce Hoffman as a LifeChanger of the Year.”
When asked what keeps him going each day, Hoffman gave credit to the kids. He said high school teachers spend a lot of time with kids during the school year, sometimes more time than the kids spend with their families. And because of that, teachers have an opportunity to make a positive difference in students’ lives. While Hoffman recognizes that he can’t have an effect on every student at once, he said he hopes that by making personal connections daily, he can make a positive impact.
“My classroom is very unique in the woodworking area. It’s an elective, so they (students) decide to be there, and they pick and work on a project that they choose. So, they’re pretty motivated about it,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman said that while the kids are working, he often has conversations with them about what excites them and even things they might be struggling with. Ever the optimist, Hoffman said he is always trying to “inject positivity” by offering advice from his own life experiences. Hoffman said he is sure his advice isn’t always perfect, but he hopes it is helpful.
If he were to win one of the awards for LifeChanger of the Year, Hoffman said, he would use the money to upgrade and replace tools and equipment in his classroom. Hoffman explained that the nominator creates a profile for the nominee, and based on those profiles, the program selects winners from hundreds of nominees. Prize money ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for the 17 winners selected.
According to the release, “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.