LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Alexander Oleksyn was nominated by a colleague, Mariya Barreras.

"Three words to describe Alexander are committed, reliable, and inspirational," said Barreras.

"Alex is a strong, compassionate teacher, a real 'warm demander.' He practices project-based learning and authentic assessment tasks that students can implement outside the school. The arts projects that he does are multifaceted and culturally relevant. In one of the most recent projects, he asked students to design their own sneakers using cardboard and hot glue. First, students answered the prompt, 'What are your passions, interests, and hobbies?' Second, students completed a collage with images, colors, and symbols that represent them as a person and their culture/ community. Third, students made their own shoes out of cardboard; these served as a canvas for students to decorate inspired by the collages," said Barreras.

"In addition to being an arts teacher, Alexander Oleksyn is a stellar advisory leader; he connects with students and families, increasing their attendance and academic and social-emotional well-being," said Barreras.