LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelsy Achtenberg was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Achtenberg creates a positive classroom environment by building strong relationships with students and fostering a sense of belonging and respect. She takes time to get to know each student—their interests, strengths, and learning styles—so she can tailor the experience to meet their needs. She co-creates classroom expectations with students to give them ownership and reinforce consistency, fairness, and mutual accountability.

She incorporates choice and voice into our projects so students feel empowered and engaged in their learning. By keeping the atmosphere welcoming, flexible, and inclusive—especially for neurodivergent learners—she ensures all students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and support one another. She also infuses joy into the learning through hands-on projects, creativity, and celebrations of growth and effort, which helps build a classroom culture grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and confidence.

Career Accomplishments

• Trailblazing STEM Educator Award (2025) – National recognition from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Challenger Center for innovative STEM teaching.
• North Dakota DPI Transformative Education Award (2025) – Honored for leading impactful, student-centered learning in a nontraditional setting.
• ASU Prep Microschool Fellowship (2025) – Selected to participate in advanced instructional innovation, including immersive VR lab experiences.
• Former LifeChanger of the Year Nominee – Nominated for making a significant difference in the lives of students through excellence, leadership, and dedication.
• Yass Prize Quarterfinalist (2023) – Recognized as a national education innovator focused on sustainable, equitable models of learning.
• VELA Education Fund Grantee – Received funding for implementing learner-centered, neurodiverse-friendly programs.
• AFCEA Gravely/Paige STEM Grant Recipient – Supported a hydraulics unit that combined engineering, collaboration, and design thinking.
• NFPA Fluid Power Grant Recipient – Developed hands-on learning experiences to explore hydraulic systems and problem-solving.
• Junior Achievement Teacher of the Year Nominee – Recognized for advancing financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills in the classroom.