Marion County Board of Education Educator Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award
January 21, 2026 –Whitwell, TN– Whitwell Middle School counselor Linda Bartmess has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Bartmess was nominated anonymously for her unwavering dedication and heartfelt service. She has transformed the lives of students and families for 14 years.
After a courageous midlife career change, Bartmess earned her Master’s in School Counseling and discovered her true calling: supporting students with compassion, purpose, and persistence. She drives an hour to Whitwell Middle School each day, rarely missing a moment. When asked why, she simply says, “Because I love my job and the school.”
To Bartmess, counseling is far more than a profession. She goes above and beyond her formal duties by purchasing clothing for students, chaperoning trips, writing college recommendations, helping families with laundry and transportation, and coordinating essential appointments. Her support continues long after students leave middle school, reflecting her belief that every child deserves consistent care and advocacy.
Her commitment recently shone through when a former student sought admission to a military academy. Bartmess wrote a powerful recommendation leading to the student's acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy for fall 2025.
“I witnessed her natural gift for this work, her warmth, compassion, and authenticity,” said the nominator. “Her principal gives her the highest evaluations year after year because she truly goes above and beyond. Linda Bartmess is exceptional, a tireless advocate, and a source of hope for so many.”
About LifeChanger of the Year
Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
Make a positive impact on the lives of students
Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
Possess a proven record of professional excellence
Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
Visit here to read Bartmess’s nominee profile. If you're interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
