LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brent Rogers was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Mr. Rogers' official job title is English as Second Language teacher, but he is so much more than that to his school's large refugee population. From Monday-Thursday, he is co-teaching students who are immersed or in inclusion. On Friday, he coaches teachers who have ESL students in mainstream classes who do not qualify for a co-teaching schedule. He is also the proud parent of some fabulous adopted children. Last year, he took on the role of adviser for Latinos in Action. This year, his new role is to empowering Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through culturally responsive social and emotional learning, college and career readiness, and leadership development.

"Modest and humble are two words that come to mind when I think of Brent," said his nominator. "He would never, ever think of himself as a LifeChanger. Most likely, he would simply say that this is his job, and this is what he does."

As the beginning ESL teacher, Mr. Rogers sees the refugee students first. They go to a Newcomer Center before coming to the high school. Mr. Rogers goes to the Center to meet them so that when they come to the high school, they have a familiar face. He has coordinated for current students at the high school to go to the center so they, too, can be a familiar face. He embraces his school's motto, "We are one, We are Family, We are Riverhawks," by welcoming everyone who wishes to be at his school.

"While I have a lot of ESL students, my full courses do not avail me to the privilege of having a co-teaching experience," said his nominator. "Brent has always made himself available during my prep period to coach me so that I can better teach the ESL students in my classes. He is a LifeChanger, not only to the students, but to the teachers he mentors. It doesn't matter to Brent where you come from or what your background is. You are always welcome in his world or circle of influence!"