LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Stephanie Ruffner was nominated by her colleague, David Larsen.

Ms. Ruffner is the kind of educator whose influence extends far beyond the classroom walls. For more than fifteen years, she has devoted her career to helping students believe in themselves, discover their potential, and imagine futures they once thought were out of reach. Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she has truly changed lives.

As a math teacher and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) director at Cooper Middle School, Ms. Ruffner has been the heart and driving force behind the Cooper STEM Academy for seven years. She not only managed a program, but built a culture that encourages curiosity, celebrates creativity, and empowers students to solve real-world problems with confidence. From developing innovative STEM curriculum to managing funding, partnerships, competitions, and professional development, she has invested countless hours to ensure every student has access to meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.

Her leadership has elevated Cooper Middle School into a model STEM institution. She successfully led both Cognia STEM and Georgia State STEM recertification efforts—a demanding process that required vision, organization, and persistence. Today, she opens her doors to educators and community partners from across the region. Through STEM Academy tours and conference presentations, she selflessly shares her knowledge so that students far beyond her own classroom can benefit from stronger, more engaging STEM education.

Inside the classroom, Ms. Ruffner's impact is just as profound. As the lead Algebra teacher for more than a decade, she has consistently achieved an average student proficiency of 95%, earning distinguished ratings year after year. But numbers only tell part of the story. She teaches students who may struggle with confidence, who doubt their abilities, or who believe math "just isn't for them." Through patience, encouragement, and high expectations, she helps them rewrite those narratives, replacing fear with pride and doubt with belief.

Her commitment to students extends well beyond the school day. For ten years, she has coached Future LEGO League Robotics and Future City Competition teams, creating spaces where students learn teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Under her guidance, teams have achieved remarkable success, including second place (2025) and third place (2023) in the Georgia Regional Future City Competition. Yet the true victories are the students who discover their voice, their confidence, and a sense of belonging through these programs.

Her peers recognize her not only for her expertise but for her heart. She has served as Math department chair, an Instructional Leadership Team member, a STEM teacher leader, and a mentor to both students and colleagues. She is a Microsoft Innovative Educator, a Gifted Endorsed teacher, and a graduate of the Cobb Teacher Leader Academy. These distinctions reflect her constant desire to grow, improve, and better serve others. Her excellence has been formally recognized by being named Teacher of the Year at both the Early College Academy of Columbus and Cooper Middle School. These honors reflect the deep respect and admiration she has earned from her school communities. Her greatest recognition comes quietly, in the form of students who return years later to thank her for believing in them when they struggled to believe in themselves.

What truly sets Ms. Ruffner apart is her compassion. She sees every student as more than a test score or a transcript. She sees their potential, their challenges, and their dreams, and she meets them with empathy, encouragement, and unwavering support. She shows up for students in moments of celebration and hardship, constantly reminding them that they matter and that their future is worth fighting for.

"Stephanie Ruffner does not just teach math or lead programs — she changes lives. Through her leadership, innovation, and genuine care for every student she serves, she embodies the spirit of the LifeChanger of the Year Award. Her impact will be felt not only in classrooms and competitions but in the countless lives she has helped shape for the better," said Larsen.