Foundations School Charli Turner nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Foundations School executive director Charlisa “Charli” Turner 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.

Turner was nominated by a colleague, Payton Chaffin, for her selfless leadership and dedication to student education.

Turner saw children in her community struggling after the pandemic. Kids were falling behind academically, some without a clear path forward. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, she founded Foundations School, a private, trade-focused school designed to give every child hope and a future. Turner built this school from the ground up because she believed these kids deserved more than just survival; they deserved purpose.

In just three years, Foundations School has grown from 18 students to more than 50, serving children from kindergarten through 12th grade. These students are thriving under a curriculum that meets and exceeds Idaho standards.

Every ounce of Turner’s time, energy, and resources goes into making her school succeed. She sacrifices daily so her students can dream bigger than their circumstances.

“Mrs. Turner doesn’t just change lives. She gives everything she has to make sure hope wins. If you’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, resilience, and the power to transform a community, look no further.  Mrs. Turner is that person,” said Chaffin.

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 composed 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 Turner’s nominee profile. If you’re interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.