LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kris Gilbert

Position: Intervention Coach and Instructional Coach
School: Sonoma Elementary School
School District: Harper Creek Community Schools
City, State: Battle Creek, MI

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Music that Describes Kris

Kris Gilbert was nominated by her principal, Shalen King.

"As a new principal in Harper Creek Schools six years ago, having someone to partner with, bounce ideas off of, and learn from was a support I found in Kris Gilbert. Kris Gilbert has been a LifeChanger for Harper Creek students, staff, and personally for me," said King.

"Mrs. Gilbert has been a part of the Harper Creek team for over 30 years. She taught first, second, and third grades before becoming Sonoma's Instructional Coach and Intervention Coach," said King.

"Mrs. Gilbert has changed lives while working at Sonoma," said King. "During her day, she supports our intervention staff to facilitate learning opportunities to support growing content knowledge with our intervention team. Mrs. Gilbert empowers staff in coaching cycles within classrooms and outside of the school day. She helps the Instructional Leadership Team to think outside the box to support all staff and students. She goes above and beyond to make sure that all staff and students feel welcome and works to build a belief in others and their success as teachers."

"While working with Mrs. Gilbert, she has challenged my thought process and helped change my life. She encourages me to think differently to support my staff and students. She takes my big-picture leadership dreams and helps me map out how to be the best leader I can be," said King.

"Her work and role cannot be replaced," said King. "Her care for all students and her passion for making sure students are supported mentally and academically allows for all students to be touched by her authentic love for students and her passion for putting students first."

"My life has been changed, and I appreciate that I have Kris Gilbert on my team," said King.

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Comments (11)

Sandi Overgaard i Overgaard Posted over a year ago

LifeChanger....what a perfect phrase to describe Kris Gilbert. I was blessed to work with Kris for 16 years before I retired from Sonoma. I was in awe of her teaching skills as she consistently showed patience and compassion to her students while exhibiting flexibility in meeting the needs of each student. I wasn't surprised when she took the role as Instructional and Intervention Coach. It's a perfect fit for Kris as she continues to change lives on an even larger scale positively influencing students, teachers, and administrators. Kris has a positive, "can do" attitude that encourages both students and fellow teachers to be their best. When you observe former students coming back to see Kris, you get to witness the joy she's passed on and the lives she's changed. Kris Gilbert is an amazing teacher, a valuable resource, a trusted friend.... truly a LifeChanger.

Karla Kopp Posted over a year ago

Kris is an amazing leader, teacher and coworker. She truly care about every single student, coworker and community member. She is true Blue and wants what’s best for her school. Kris leads by setting the best example. She is dedicated and passionate about helping kids to achieve all the dream of. She is an amazing educator.

Tiffany Seeberger Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Gilbert has been so incredibly instrumental and supportive of my son over the past several years, during his time at Sonoma! She helped shape him into the wonderful kid and student that he is today, as he ventures into Middle School. I’m grateful for all of the 1:1 work she did with Grady! It made a huge impact in his development and learning capabilities. He was receptive to a select few and Mrs. Gilbert was top of that list! He had so much respect for her. If only we could have taken her to Middle School with us this year! She is such a wonderful addition to the educational community and to Sonoma!

Lacy Posted over a year ago

Kris was my favorite teacher of all time in elementary school. To this day I remember her kind heart and how she made this super shy girl feel confident in her class! She is an inspiration!

Connor Posted over a year ago

Kris is truly a LifeChanger! As a teacher, she has touched the lives of so many. She is incredibly passionate about teaching, her students, and her Harper Creek community. Kris is committed to life long learning, always striving to improve her craft and better help her students.

Kris Miller Posted over a year ago

This girl is a rock star and can get things done. Plus she is kind, sweet, and can talk to anyone. Yep…..kiddos too. That is why she is so great at what she does. She has a gift of being a wonderful teacher and feels it all in her heart. They listen!!

Jane Posted over a year ago

As a retired teacher , and knowing Kris for a very long time, I can assure you that she is this person you describe, not only as an educator, but in her entire daily life. She shows caring, kindness, and a. , continuing effort to help others mo matter what it takes, no matter how she may be suffering herself. She does theses things with a smile, good humor, and the attitude that whatever is wrong there is something to do about it. She is the epitome of what this award is all about!

Jody Posted over a year ago

Kris Gilbert is an amazing teacher and a blessing to many

Melanie Baker Posted over a year ago

Fabulous teacher and person! Her positive can do attitude is contagious!

Hope Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Gilbert is an awesome and cool teacher. She taught me when i was first grade back in 1994.

Mike Gilbert Posted over a year ago

Kris was nominated for LifeChanger of the year, it’s a national contest to recognize teachers who change lives. The nomination from her principal, Shalen, pretty much sums it up. But I think I can add a little from the spouse point of view. All of the extra school work she does away from school certainly shows how much she cares but it’s the interactions I see with parents and students that tell the best story. It’s fun to watch! Hugs and smiles fill the grocery store on Saturday afternoon when we run errands together. And, when you realize you are watching Kris interact with two generations of students, it’s like wait, what!! Makes you feel a little old but mostly proud. Kris deserves this nomination, and I hope this message reaches some of her past students.