- Make a positive impact in 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
Santa Clarita Science Teacher Mike Koegle Nominated for National LifeChanger Award

Mike Koegle’s office cubicle is decorated with models of a human brain, various animal skulls, books and a goomba plush from the Super Mario Bros. video game. Every time he explains a scientific concept or pulls up a photo of his students eagerly running experiments, his eyes light up with pride and he gets increasingly animated. “Science for all. That’s always been my philosophy,” Koegle said. Koegle, who teaches biology, health and a biotechnology course framed as a murder mystery at Academy of the Canyons (AOC), was nominated for the 2018-19 national LifeChanger of the Year award by AOC Campus Supervisor Kane Crawford, and by an anonymous student, due to his passion and dedication toward teaching and his students. The LifeChanger of the Year award is sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, which donates up to $2 million a year to nonprofit and educational organizations. The award is given to a K-12 teacher or school district employee who is considered to have made a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Each year, hundreds of teachers from across the country are nominated for the award. Winners are chosen by a committee of educators and previous winners based on their ability to: