LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Bridget Jordan was nominated anonymously. 

Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." While Ms. Jordan's illustrious resume is undeniable evidence of her being a LifeChanger, it would be incomplete without highlighting the passion, care, and intention she brings to every interaction. Ms. Jordan ensures that every student, colleague, and parent she encounters feels seen, heard, and valued. Those fortunate enough to know and be known by her are undoubtedly changed for the better.

"As her colleague, I have experienced and witnessed her remarkable impact, and it is a tremendous honor to nominate her for this award. From the moment you meet Bridget and observe her interactions with students, it is evident she is living her calling as an educator," said the nominator.

As an avid learner, Ms. Jordan first discovered her love for teaching while pursuing her bachelor's degree in Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication. During this time, she volunteered as a conversation partner at the Esperanza Center in downtown Baltimore, helping speakers of other languages improve their listening and speaking abilities. She also tutored Spanish language students and volunteered as an English teacher for international students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her passion for teaching extended beyond the U.S. borders. She spent a summer in Cochabamba, Bolivia, at the Centro Boliviano Americano, conducting workshops to enhance English language skills for elementary and college students. She also collaborated with local teachers to share American teaching practices. These experiences inspired and contributed to her pursuing a Master's in teaching English as a Second Language.

During this time, she also served in various roles, including teaching assistant, assistant community director, and academic advisor at UMBC. Ms. Jordan's professional development has always been characterized by her commitment to preparing herself for her career and helping others on their educational journeys, which is a hallmark of her work to this day. With this wealth of experience and knowledge, she has spent over five years teaching English as a Second Language at Baltimore Highlands Elementary. Many of her students are newcomers from Central America and Mexico, and she leverages her unique skills to build bridges for them and their families daily. She draws inspiration from her students and their families' resilience and relentless pursuit of growth. Often, working with small groups of students, she brings energy and warmth, deeply understanding her students' stories and tailoring her teaching to meet their individual needs. Through this daily work, she improves their language abilities and creates an outpost of beauty and goodness where students feel seen, loved, and honored.

Ms. Jordan's influence also extends beyond her classroom. She is a mentor teacher and facilitator for New Educator Orientation at her school, where she invests in new educators, empowering them to serve their students more effectively. Her love for students and learning continues to drive her pursuit of excellence. Alongside numerous certifications, she has completed the Master's +60 coursework requirements within her district and earned National Board Certification, demonstrating her tireless dedication to self-improvement and her community. In the summer of 2024, she was selected as one of fifteen educators nationwide to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad. Through this six-week cultural and language immersion program, she developed her skills. She partnered with the University of Piura to teach some lessons to elementary students in the rural town of Locuto.

"I had the immense privilege of watching her in action during these lessons, and her expertise and magnetism were on full display as the students gathered around her to learn," the nominator added.

Lastly, Ms. Jordan created a culturally relevant curriculum to implement in her classroom and share nationally, showcasing her ability to bring meaningful, global experiences to her students. This project is just one of many fellowships that she has recently embarked on and been recognized for, and it demonstrates her immense capacity to change lives. Amidst all her accomplishments, she remains one of the most humble people. She is constantly focused on building up her students and colleagues, recognizing their strengths, ensuring they are celebrated, and often nominating them for awards and recognitions.

"Bridget Jordan embodies what it means to be a LifeChanger, and her dedication inspires me to never grow complacent in my roles. She deserves this recognition, and I am honored and grateful to know her," said the nominator.