LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jordan Hernandez

Position: English Teacher & Head Golf Coach
School: Boca Raton Community High School
School District: Palm Beach County Schools
City, State: Boca Raton, FL

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Music that Describes Jordan

Jordan Hernandez was nominated by a student, Pedro Cleto.

"Mr. Hernandez won the 2020 Teacher of the Year AND Coach of the Year at our school this year," said Cleto. "Mr. H has been my mentor since I moved to the United States from Brazil a few years ago. This teacher created an initiative called the 'Welcome Committee,' which aims to meet transfer students like me and/or immigrants on the first day that we enter school. New students are met by Mr H and a student leader with a welcome packet explaining the school culture and clubs to get involved in. They even had a welcome lunch for new students. This initiative has helped students feel like they belong right at the early stage of first walking on our campus.

Mr. Hernandez is more than an English teacher. He runs a non-profit called “We Dine Together” that has received national attention for the organization’s mission: to minimize social isolation by inviting students who sit alone or are new to the school to a free lunch in Mr. H’s classroom.

"I have been the student president of this organization, and I have watched students who have been bullied, ostracized, or new to the school walk into our meetings to listen to our group discussions and walk out of the room feeling more connected and encouraged," said Cleto. "My friends and I have been impacted from Mr. H’s teacher & student-led presentations on mitigating mental health issues, understanding trauma, and how to start living a better life on and off campus. Our club started with 50 members and now has just under 300 student members on campus. It is overwhelming. We continue to plant clubs by the week on other campuses in our county and across the country."

Mr. Hernandez was featured on Facebook & Instagram Live's Graduation 2020 (with Oprah Winfrey as a keynote speaker) for an initiative he started called “#CoronaCant." This was a website and social media platform that connected students, teachers, and families during quarantine. This initiative still happens today with virtual teaching.

Mr. H runs a podcast and series of videos called “Motivational Mondays” that is getting strong traction on campus and in the community. These initiatives are just a few of the innovative things Mr. Hernandez has done to connect students, teachers, and families in his 3,400 person school.

"Many of my Brazilian and Colombian friends actually call this man 'Tio,' which means 'uncle,'" said Cleto. "In Latin America, students only do this for teachers who we see as family. Mr. H helps us by translating for our parents and connecting us with college advisors. He even had an immigration attorney come meet with 60 of us pro bono!"

"Mr. H and I keynoted the Palm Beach County Mental Health Conference last year, where we spoke on 'We Dine Together' and other initiatives like our positive behavioral support systems that we incorporate on campus," said Cleto. "Also, we were invited to Manhattanville College in November of 2019 to share our curriculum and programs to college students and administrators to help better their local schools."

"I knew that Mr. Hernandez was a LifeChanger when our school district had him lead school-wide assemblies at two of our county’s largest high schools last year," said Cleto. "Mr. H and trained mental health professionals spoke on emotional intelligence, mitigating anxiety, and resiliency. I do not say this lightly when I say that this teacher and leader has changed the lives of thousands on our campus, in our county, and across the country from all that he has been able to do. Our families and I are living a better life because of Jordan Hernandez. I wish we had more of him… we all would be better off."

In the News:

Facebook honors teacher who started CoronaCant campaign

https://blog.massmutual.com/post/unsung-2020

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Comments (22)

Karen Major Posted over a year ago

I fully agree with Wendy Hernandez's post; she has known him for all of his years. Jordan is extraordinary, inquisitive, challenge loving, and packs in the accomplishments. From my personal witness, the time and talent he invests in our youth is a game changer for them. His accomplishments are stacked - not here and there - but day to day. He is a creative thinker who has an ability to comprehend and grasp varying perspectives. He's definitely making a positive mark on this generation and touches my life as well; he is married to my daughter, Samantha, who is ALSO a nominee for this award. He is witty and entertaining to the max. Great Son-in-law! I regularly have one to two hour conversations with Jordan and find him to be thought provoking -- such an excellent trait for the teacher and leader that he is. I love you Jordan. You are so worthy of being awarded Life Changer of the Year.

Debbie Posted over a year ago

Jordan is a visionary who is constantly bursting with ideas and has the energy to bring people along with him to carry them out. When he sees a need, he’s on it! When he saw that some of his students felt disconnected from the student body, he formed an inclusive society that celebrated the diversity of its participants. He uses video and podcasts that educate and entertain his students and gives them opportunities to express themselves as well. He loves literature and the academic world and seeks to infect his students with a similar passion for learning. His charismatic personality draws his students, but his care for them retains them as friends.

Mark Slingo Posted over a year ago

Jordan’s energy, enthusiasm, and love for people are contagious. While I’ve never been in one of his classes I have no doubt that his students are effectively taught, enjoy his class, and feel cared for. His efforts in reaching out to students who are struggling to connect with others have made a big difference in the lives of many. Jordan is constantly looking for new ways to reach out and help others. He is an exceptional person and I highly recommend him for this award.

Wendy hernandez Posted over a year ago

Jordan is an extraordinary human being. From the time he was a toddler he was so inquisitive about the world around him. He loves challenges and living life to the fullest! No one can pack more accomplishments into a day than he. The amount of time he has put into helping others such as missions trips to school clubs and programs and simply with his profession as a teacher he goes above and beyond to leave his positive mark on this generation. I am so very proud to call him my son and I look up to him as a role model. He has changed my life and many many others!

Mary Hernandez Posted over a year ago

Jordan Hernandez should be definitely be Lifechanger of the year! His dedication to his students his unending, I think he carries them on his shoulders even when he not in his English class. He has a special gift of reaching out to all his students, friends and family. Jordan is always ready to have a conversation to lift a person up who is struggling with anything in their life. I always feel uplifted after talking to him. This is especially true for founding the We Dine Together club, so no student is left out of meeting friends and socializing over lunch. Jordan’s sense of humor and dedication to his teaching is unparalleled! He is truly blessed and blessed everyone who knows him.

Dylan Posted over a year ago

Best teacher ever

Darlene Cecere Freidin Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hernandez exemplifies what Life Changer if the year means! He is one of the most selfless human beings I’ve ever met! He puts each and every student first, he reaches out continuously in the community for Mental Health awareness that is so needed and especially during this challenging time, and he is an outstanding teacher! He has been a monumental mentor for my son since freshman year and now that he’s a senior he’s set up for success! He encompasses every attribute to the highest level that goes hand in hand with what LifeChanger of the year signifies! This is his year! Thank you Mr. Hernandez for all you do!! You’ve most definitely changed all the lives you have touched in the most positive way!

Eleana Martinez Posted over a year ago

As said in this letter Mr. Hernandez is a beautiful soul that cares. He was such a wonderful Esol teacher a few years back. He went out of his way to help these students learn and enjoy the language. The students became successful. I feel privileged to have been working in his classroom.

Calder Alfano Posted over a year ago

Mr Hernandez pours his heart and soul into our students here at Boca High, as a colleague and an alumni I am proud to serve our students alongside such a thoughtful, passionate, and creative educator.

Toni Bicknell Posted over a year ago

Making a difference in the lives of others! We all thank you!

Barry Freidin Posted over a year ago

Mr Hernandez has been very instrumental in my sons education at Boca Raton High School. He has taken Danny under his wings to teach him life lessons. My son is on the spectrum and has gone above and beyond to help him fit in with fellow students and lessons in every day life. Every school should have a teacher like Mr Hernandez!!

Jean & Roy Slingo Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hernandez is quite a unique person; he is a creative and dedicated teacher who "thinks outside the box". His enthusiasm is commendable. He is a humanitarian, taking great interest in his students. More teachers should be like him.

Courtney Slingo Posted over a year ago

There are very few people in our lives who ask "How are you doing?" And genuinely want to know how are you doing. Like in a way that is beyond just how you feel but how the depth of your spirit feels, how you're processing and taking in life. Mr. Hernandez cares deeply with such authenticity and carries his students and those in his life on his heart. You can feel it the moment he talks to you, a genuine connectivity one without an end goal to receive anything in return. He makes himself available and endlessly serves and thinks, and plans about the ways he can love on or help his students, faculty and people in his life. He is genuinely passionate about educating both in the classroom, the golf course and over dinner conversations. His love for learning is contagious and it has inspires even me, who has struggled to love learning all my life. With Mr. Hernandez I feel welcome at the table of learning without feeling ostracised for not "knowing", this has allowed me to enjoy the learning process unhindered.

Carly Slingo Posted over a year ago

Jordan is someone whose energy and drive rub off on the people he's around. I know Jordan personally and from what I've heard about his classroom, I'm jealous I wasn't in his class in highschool. He makes learning fun and entertaining and clearly loves his students and his career. His passion for influencing others has reached beyond teaching to the non-profit he started and even his own personal podcast that is meant to give relevant advice to young people in this generation. I'm amazed by all that he's accomplished and continues to accomplish and think he's most deserving of recognition for all of his efforts.

Mary Brodeur Posted over a year ago

I have seen Jordan Hernandez start a program to help students outside of class join in to help other students to thrive in life called We Dine Together and I also hear he is a truly gifted teacher and coach.

Kate Major Posted over a year ago

Mr Hernandez is dedicated to helping students who have marginalized. Through caring you have changed the lives of so many students.

Kim Burns Posted over a year ago

I've known Jordan Hernandez since he was a young boy. He has always had an outgoing, energetic personality. He was always the "friend to ALL". Jordan has always put 100% of himself into everything he finds important. These days those important things are his students! When he and his wife come home to visit his family (and friends) in NY, they share beautiful stories about "their kids" and talk about them as if they really are THEIR kids. Each and every student is important to Jordan and I know he is changing the lives of many just as they have changed and enriched his life!

Fran Papamichael Posted over a year ago

Jordan Hernandez teaching ability brings the students in and they look forward to his class. Jordan loves his job and gives 100% to these students. Jordan was put on this earth to help everyone and anybody.

Paul Posted over a year ago

I've only met this gentleman a couple of times and what I've been amazed by is how deeply motivated he is to help those under his charge to excel. From the classroom to the field of competition. His ability to bring the best out of a classroom and a bowling alley or golf course!

Matthew Major Posted over a year ago

I am blown away at Mr. Hernandez's ability to give the level of care, attention and quality leadership that he does in a world that overburdens most. His ability to make remedial lessons exciting is a blessing to his students. Watching him mentor lonely, hurting students is a joy. His desire to reach their hearts as well as their minds is unique to him. We are fortunate to have him in our education system.

Denis Estimon Posted over a year ago

Mr.H is a man that truly has a heart for those around him. He cares for his students like no other. His classroom has always been a place where students will feel safe, comfortable, and inspired to be the best versions of themselves.

Luisa Silhavy Posted over a year ago

Mr.H helped me to get to know and understand the U.S. American culture during my exchange year. Through his Club #wedinetogether I connected with many amazing people from all over the world. This was two years ago and now I am still in contact with some. He really Changed my Life. Vielen Dank from Germany:) (Luisa)