Jen Lyons
Lefler Middle School
SE Life Skills Teacher
Nominated By: Principal Allison Meister
I am awed daily with Ms Lyons' positive and constructive attitude toward all students, other staff members and the daily events, both "normal" and "unusual". She always seems to have a positive outlook on situations and keeps the students' best interests in mind at all times. She goes the extra miles for the students and looks at the bigger picture as she strives to assist students to be the best they can be and helps to prepare them for their next stage in their educational (and life) experience. I appreciate her as a coworker as she is in the trenches along with everyone else and does not delegate tasks but will instead take them on herself. She is instrumental in ensuring that the Life Skills room is a true Team Effort and it definitely feels as though everyone in that room has similar goals and work together for a similar outcome. She talks about students she has taught prior to coming to Lefler and when doing so, the discussion is caring and she exudes a pride in them all. She takes time with all students and makes sure that each and every one of them know that they are special, they are cared for and that she is glad they are at school. The relationships that she makes with the students are so beneficial to them. I thoroughly enjoy working with Ms Lyons and she is an inspiration and an example of what a great educator should be, not one that that teaches math and reading, but one who cares for the entire student and truly wants them to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR WROTE: When I think about Jen Lyons, one word comes to mind: blessing. Jen provides such amazing support, care, and learning for our Life Skills students. No matter the lesson/activity/event, she finds a way to make each student feel successful, supported, and valued. She has often taken in kids who are not on her regular caseload to help support them with reading, math, or social needs. These students feel like "leaders" in her class, often helping their peers who struggle with similar needs. There is nothing better than to see the students growing in their skills or exceeding what you thought was possible, and Jen is a big part of that.
She treats her fellow staff members with the same kindness, respect, and love. Jen collaborates with staff members and offers wonderful suggestions to make our building an amazing place. She always looks at ideas from others with an open mind and heart. Her humor during tough, challenging situations or times lifts everyone's spirits and shows us we can get through anything with a smile and working as a team.
To say we are blessed to have Jen Lyons as a Lefler Lion would be an understatement. Without her time and talents, our building would not be the same. Jen Lyons is a perfect nominee for the 2023 Inspire Award!
ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR WROTE: Jen Lyons is the epitome of what an educator should be - kind, patient, encouraging, and gives her best to her students each day! I have often heard her say the phrase "There but for the grace of God go I". She demonstrates this with her emphasis on human dignity for all students, but especially students that rely on special education staff for many different things throughout their day. It is a priority for her that all students are shown kindness and respect in all situations, and especially with the specific medical needs of the students in her Life Skills program.
In addition, she is the most generous teacher with her time, classroom, and emotional support - always welcoming future teachers and current staff to her room. It cannot be overly stated how much Lefler's paraeducators enjoy working with her and have strong loyalty to her because or her positive vibes. Paras in her classroom frequently recruit family and friends to apply to work at Lefler and her program!
One of my favorite things about Mrs. Lyons is that she often comes up with morale boosters for the entire building and is famous for sharing Zinnia seeds personally collected from her own garden. Her positive and uplifting personality makes her a perfect nominee for the Inspire Award!
