LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Larry Weaver's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

As a high school student, tragedy struck Mr. Weaver and changed his outlook on life. He was involved in a jet ski accident that sent him to the hospital via life flight. Once he was stable and healing, he realized his hearing was completely gone in his right ear. He was not going to let this stop him, and he did not want to be labeled with a disability. He found ways to cope with his hearing loss and did not let it slow him down. 

During college, he was able to work as an athletic trainer with the West Georgia Wolves and the Atlanta Braves. With his physical education major and these jobs, he came into contact with many people. The people who stood out to him the most were the children. He loved interacting with students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. He began his full time teaching career in 2008 as an elementary school physical education teacher.

The students loved Coach Weaver. He always made learning fun and even invited the teachers to join his class and help build the community in the school. Coach Weaver did an exceptional job of differentiating his instruction so that all students, even those with disabilities, were able to participate in class. It was in the elementary setting that Coach Weaver began to develop a love for students with disabilities. 

A few years into his career, Mr. Weaver knew his calling was with students who have exceptionalities. He became certified in special education and transferred to a high school to teach in the special education department. He did not give up coaching, though. Coach Weaver was the head softball and baseball coach at the high school.

Through coaching and teaching, Mr. Weaver has built strong relationships with students. He leads students in a way that encourages them to do the right thing. They want to succeed. His students know they have an adult in their corner who loves them, supports them, and would do anything in his power to see them succeed.

Ten years later, Mr. Weaver is the in-school coordinator and leader of the Exceptional Children's Services department at the high school. The parents and students love him. They are thankful for someone who they can talk to and who is knowledgeable about the students and the services available to them. The teachers at the school rave about his ability to lead the department and how co-teaching strategies have strengthened throughout the building. Mr. Weaver has led Professional Learning sessions for the staff to help them be more knowledgeable of exceptional students, their services, co-teaching, and other models.

"Mr. Weaver is an asset to his school and community. He is a LifeChanger," said his nominator.