In a delightful surprise ceremony held on February 24, 2026, Brittany Keller, a fifth-grade teacher at Lake Alfred Elementary, was awarded the prestigious National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award. This recognition highlights her impactful teaching methods and dedication to her students, setting her apart from over 1,000 nominees nationwide. The award not only honors Keller but also provides a joint monetary prize of $3,000 for her and her school, reflecting the importance of supporting educators who make a difference.
The National Life Group has been presenting the LifeChanger of the Year Award since 2011, celebrating nearly 10,000 educators across more than 2,600 school districts. The program has generously awarded close to $1 million in prizes to winners and their schools, focusing on K-12 school and district employees who positively influence students’ lives. Criteria for selection include the ability to create a positive atmosphere in schools and exemplary leadership qualities.
Creative Teaching Approaches
Keller’s innovative teaching strategies have earned her accolades, including recognition on social media by Polk County Public Schools as a Focused on Excellence winner last year. She has been praised for her mid-century modern classroom decor and hands-on learning opportunities that actively engage her students. Her teaching style emphasizes life skills, accountability, and collaboration—all essential attributes that prepare students for the future.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 quarantine in 2020, Keller went above and beyond to keep her students engaged with a playful narrative titled “Her Majesty’s MI-6 Training.” She brought literature to life by dressing as The Cat in the Hat for reading lessons and transforming writing projects into a five-day cooking competition. Additionally, she creatively incorporated historical figures into her curriculum, portraying characters from the Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” and even Theodore Roosevelt on a safari adventure, enriching her students’ learning experience through immersive storytelling.
A Legacy of Excellence
The LifeChanger of the Year Award not only recognizes individual educators like Keller but also shines a light on the broader impact of dedicated teaching on students’ lives. The award underscores the significance of innovative teaching methods and the commitment to fostering an environment of growth and positivity in schools. As Brittany Keller continues to inspire her students at Lake Alfred Elementary, she exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a life changer in education.
To learn more about this remarkable achievement and the ongoing efforts to support educators, you can check out the full article on The Ledger or visit the Polk County Public Schools news page here.