BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) -- A Bessemer teacher was named a finalist for National Life Group's 2024 LifeChanger Teacher of the Year award. The goal of this award is to recognize K-12 educators and employees across the country who are making a significant difference in the lives of their students.
Dr. Yuvraj Verma began teaching in Alabama in 2022 at Martha Gaskins Elementary School, and then Chalkville Elementary School. Verma now teaches 6th grade math at Bessemer City Middle School. He was nominated for this award by three of his former students at Chalkville Elementary School.
Jefferson County School Board President Ronnie Dixon described Dr. Verma as "an outstanding man in our community."
"His love for children, learning and teaching should be an inspiration to all," Dixon continued, "Parents, administrators and other teachers would be well served to emulate his style, passion and commitment”
Some of Verma's former accomplishments include being a winner of the Extra Yard for Teachers Initiative by the NCAA Southeastern Conference and the College Football Playoff Foundation, being awarded the Torchbearer Award by Birmingham City Council and receiving a grant to start monthly pet therapy sessions for his students.
Bessemer City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dana Arreola explained that she was thrilled to support Dr. Verma due to his "remarkable ability to make math engaging and accessible, helping students at Bessemer City Middle School not only understand challenging concepts but also find joy in learning."
"His students are inspired by his patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential," Arreola continued. "Dr. Verma is an exceptional team player, always ready to collaborate and offer support to his colleagues. His dedication to education and our school community creates a positive, uplifting environment that benefits everyone around him. Dr. Verma truly exemplifies what it means to be a life changer.”
"Dr. Verma passionately educates students," said Bessemer City Middle School Principal Lisa Heard. "He creates an environment that is conducive to learning. He supports his students, teachers and school. Dr. Verma changes the lives of students daily at Bessemer City Middle School. The students are learning to appreciate math. He has embraced the curriculum and works to help all students.”
In addition to teaching, Verma serves children in his community in various other ways, attributing his work to his belief in every child.
"His dedication to nurturing and protecting our youth, both in the classroom and beyond, demonstrates his commitment to the wellbeing and future success of our city," said Bessemer Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley. "We are truly fortunate to have someone of his caliber and character.”
Verma's work includes helping in the Court Appointed Special Advocates program of Jefferson County Family Court, helping as a clinical aide in the emergency department of Children's of Alabama Hospital, mentoring children in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, helping at the Jefferson County Family Resource Center and volunteering at the Crisis Center.
"He has consistently donated his time and energy for the betterment of the children with whom he has interfaced over the years," said Jefferson County Commission President Pro-Tempore Commissioner Joe Knight. "He is sound in his judgment, knows how to reach children and is able to bring out the creativity in a young person's mind”.
Verma has also served on several local junior boards, including Junior Achievement of Alabama as the board development chair, Christopher Kids, WBHM Birmingham NPR, Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham, Heart Gallery Alabama as the vice president and Crisis Center Birmingham.
"As an individual, his genteel character has an uncanny ability to bring out the very best in our diverse community while positively impacting the world around him," said Jefferson County Commissioner LaShunda Scales. "His infectious belief in our students is unparalleled. He's truly a remarkable person and a renowned asset to our great county”
In addition to Verma, there were three National LifeChanger Teacher of the Year finalists from Missouri, Michigan and Tennessee, as well as one winner from Nevada.