Teacher nominated for national award
Bowman High School science teacher Ravinder Athwal has been nominated for the 2017-2018 National LifeChanger of the Year award, according to an announcement made by the William S. Hart Union High School District Monday.
The national award recognizes K-12 educators and school district employees throughout the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Athwal, who has taught at Bowman for six years, was nominated for the award by his colleague and Bowman Assistant Principal Eran Zeevi.
“Mr. Athwal is a persistent, passionate teacher who constantly thinks outside the box and tries new strategies to reach his students,” Zeevi said in a press release. “He is extraordinary with students, a team player with staff, and a well-respected teacher on campus. We’re very fortunate to have had him on our campus teaching at-risk students for the past six years.”
In his nomination, Zeevi said Athwal forms genuine connections with students by building relationships through trust, guidance, rigor, accountability and care, and by promoting their academic and emotional success.
Athwal also participates in his school’s leadership team and professional development team, acts as the science department chair, serves as an intervention teacher and teaches night classes to students over 18.
This year, Athwal was one of 39 teachers from across the country selected to participate in NASA’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Program, SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). This mission is expected to take place on a Boeing 747 modified by NASA to become the world’s largest airborne observatory.
“Ravinder genuinely connects with his students and gets them to buy into their own education,” Zeevi said in his nomination form. “As a Science teacher, he differentiates and modifies lessons, assignments, and projects to meet his students’ needs. He maintains high standards, pushing them to succeed in areas they did not feel they could achieve in.”
Later this school year, a selection committee comprised of former winners and educational professionals will select 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year award winners.