LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Janice Harris

Position: Third Grade Teacher
School: Panther Run Elementary School
School District: Palm Beach County School District
City, State: Lake Worth, FL

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Comments (32)

Ann Daum Posted over a year ago

Janice Harris is my daughter. I am so proud to have raised her to be such an excellent teacher. I remember when she started off as a student teacher; look how far she has come! From the many events I have attended at Janice's school over the years, I have seen for myself the joy she brings to all of her students. All of the students always run to give her hugs, even after they have moved up to the next grade. The kids respect her and love being in her class. I love hearing stories from her students when they come back to her school just to see her. As good as it must make Janice feel, I feel even prouder hearing these stories as I know my daughter has had that much of a positive effect on someone. Her hard work and great attitude are an excellent asset to the classroom, making this nomination of LifeChanger of the Year well deserved.

Erin Harris Posted over a year ago

I am lucky enough to call Ms. Harris my mom. She not only changed my life but she created it too! I have never seen another person so dedicated to her job than my mom. She absolutely loves her job and getting to work with kids every day. Making a difference in her students' lives is a #1 priority for her. What always amazes me is that she still remembers her students from so many years ago. We will run into students she had 20 years ago and she will still remember their name. Every student that has had her has fond memories of her; that's how you know she's affected people's lives. Plus, she's the only teacher I've heard of that still teaches cursive; she is giving students a life skill that they will be able to use for their entire life. My mom is a life changer for many, me included! :)

Melanie Kopacz Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris has had a tremendous impact on my daughter who was fortunate to have her as her 3rd grade teacher, and my older daughter as her 5th grade Safety Patrol sponsor. Ms. Harris made such an impact on many levels. From reinforcing the importance of hard to work, to showing compassion and kindness each day. She is nurturing and encouraging, and exudes a love for reading. She is inviting and warm, and always passionate in her teaching style. Just one example of her compassion - is when she helped lead an effort with my daughter and teaching partner, Mrs. Salahi, to have all the children in both classes make heartwarming Valentine's Day cards of encouragement to my daughter's 7-year-old friend who is battling leukemia. They also welcomed him to join their celebration via FaceTime, as he was unable to attend school the entire year. It meant so much that her empathy and effort extended beyond her own classroom, to make another child feel included and loved. Ms. Harris' love of reading, extended later that same day in the culmination of a book drive with the kids, to help a new teacher get a strong start. And, again after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas happened, Ms. Harris helped lead an effort for her students to send letters of love and support. These are just a few examples. My daughter, has always loved school, reading and writing, but loves it even more due to Mrs. Harris. For those reasons and many more - my daughter felt it was important to nominate her for teacher of the month, as we are beyond grateful to have had such a dedicated teacher in our lives, who strives to make the students not only be the best they can be academically, but also to be wonderful people. She is one of the original teachers when Panther Run opened its doors, and she is truly an original person who is no doubt, a life changer.

Courtney B Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is amazing. So happy my child was able to learn from her. She has a kind and loving heart. She is an incredible teacher!

Michelle Goldman Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is an amazing teacher and person!

Melanie Kopacz Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris has had a tremendous impact on my daughter who was fortunate to have her as her 3rd grade teacher, and my older daughter as her 5th grade Safety Patrol sponsor. Ms. Harris made such an impact on many levels. From reinforcing the importance of hard to work, to showing compassion and kindness each day. She is nurturing and encouraging, and exudes a love for reading. She is inviting and warm, and always passionate in her teaching style. Just one example of her compassion - is when she helped lead an effort with my daughter and teaching partner, Mrs. Salahi, to have all the children in both classes make heartwarming Valentine's Day cards of encouragement to my daughter's 7-year-old friend who is battling leukemia. They also welcomed him to join their celebration via FaceTime, as he was unable to attend school the entire year. It meant so much that her empathy and effort extended beyond her own classroom, to make another child feel included and loved. Ms. Harris' love of reading, extended later that same day in the culmination of a book drive with the kids, to help a new teacher get a strong start. And, again after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas happened, Ms. Harris helped lead an effort for her students to send letters of love and support. These are just a few examples. My daughter, has always loved school, reading and writing, but loves it even more due to Mrs. Harris. For those reasons and many more - my daughter felt it was important to nominate her for teacher of the month, as we are beyond grateful to have had such a dedicated teacher in our lives, who strives to make the students not only be the best they can be academically, but also to be wonderful people. She is one of the original teachers when Panther Run opened its doors, and she is truly an original person who is no doubt, a life changer.

Marjorie Dickerman Posted over a year ago

I have had the pleasure of working on the third grade team with Janice Harris. She is the epitome of team player and always goes above and beyond for her colleagues as well as her students! She gives of her time on many extracurricular activites and is always there to lend a helping hand. Thank you Janice Harris for your dedication to our school and making it the best it can be!!!

Diana Brown Posted over a year ago

I have had the pleasure of subbing for Ms. Harris' class. Ms. Harris teaches more than reading and writing. She teaches life lessons. She promotes kindness, compassion, ownership and responsibility just to name a few. You will never see her Ms. Harris with anything but a smile on her face. You feel the warmth the moment you enter her Wizard of Oz themed classroom. Ms. Harris also is a leader. She is in charge of the entire 5th grade Safety Patrol heading up numerous school wide fundraisers to help offset the cost of the Washington DC trip. She emphasizes responsibility to the patrols and ensures each patrol takes ownership of their job. Ms. Harris is also one of the most compassionate teachers. Last school year she helped put together care baskets for the students/teachers of Stoneman Douglas in their time of need. Students contributed with donations and kind notes which promoted a true sense of community. Ms. Harris is an amazing person and well deserving for this award. She is leader and a life changer indeed!!!!

Beth H Posted over a year ago

Ms Harris is a wonderful teacher. We have been blessed to have her teach all three of our sons in 3rd grade. She goes the extra mile with each student, is encouraging and loves to see the moment when her students “get it” - whatever the “it” is that she’s currently instructing. Ms. Harris also participated in other areas in her elementary school as a teacher liaison on the PTA and sponsors the 5th grade Aafety Patrols amongst countless other endeavors. Teachers like Ms. Harris are not always easy to find - they are the ones who LOVE to teach and are born to do it!

Risa Suarez Posted over a year ago

As the current AP at Panther Run, I can say that I have observed Janice Harris to be a true life changer! She builds relationships with her students and teaches them not just academics but how to be kind and compassionate towards each other. She is a passionate educator and is truly dedicated to what she does. She always goes over and beyond her daily job duties and we are very lucky to have her at Panther Run!

Melissa Workman Posted over a year ago

We are given new teachers every year. But some teachers only come along once in a lifetime!! Ms. Harris is a once in a lifetime teacher!!

Lourdes Sanchez Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is an amazing teacher who gives tirelessly to her students and coworkers. Her positivity and smile is infectious! She is an asset to her students and school.

Jennifer Terese Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is the most sweetest and caring person. She always puts others needs before her own. Both of my children enjoyed being in her class. When my daughter sees her, she runs to give her a hug. She is also a very good listener. Ms. Harris you are truly an angel in disguise.

Dina Posted over a year ago

Ms Harris is the best!!! my daughter used to hate going to school until Mr Harris she went above and beyond and my daughters reading scores drastically improved under her guidance . I will NEVER forget how she helped my daughter

Rula Badawi Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Harris... this wonderful teacher gave her students academic and life lessons... my daughter still remember her words; “as Mrs. Harries said....”. Thank you!

Emily Cunningham Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is not only dedicated and devoted to her students, she cares deeply about every student she encounters. I know this because she did not have either of my children in her class, yet she has been instrumental in their success as students. She has been, is, and will continue to be a life changer in the lives of every child she encounters. Panther Run Elementary is lucky to have her!

Lisa Lee Posted over a year ago

My son had Miss Harris in third grade he is now in fifth grade. I can honestly say that Miss Harris changed my sons life, he is on the spectrum and has always struggled in school. there came a point where we were looking into putting him into a special-needs school because of how difficult the public school setting was for him - that was until the year he had Miss Harris. It was the first year I realize that Matthew is going to be OK that Matthew can do this -she connected with him in a way no one else has until this day. She was the first person that Matthew connected with outside of our family to us she is family we referred to her as his second mom. She cares so much about her students. They are her kids. She truly is our life changer!

Anabella Mueger Posted over a year ago

Miss Harris is an exceptional teacher. She taught both of my kids and I have said that thanks to her they both have done extremely well in school. She is a positive figure and her patience with each student is amazing. She is always there to listen to her students no matter when or where. She still checks on her pass students.

Rebecca Posted over a year ago

Mrs Harris “Janice “ as my daughter and I know her! Has been a big part of my daughter Kaitlyn’s life for over 10 years. When Kaitlyn was in second grade we looked into tutoring with several programs and tried them,but they didn’t seem to work out for Kaitlyn.When she met Janice her world changed!Not only was she able to reach Kaitlyn in a way that no one else could ,she got her on track and went above and beyond just tutoring my daughter. She helped all the way through high school. She is a great teacher tutor role model friend and as we see her now a family member...We love you for all the years of dedication ,being there for Kaitlyn and many other children your the best!

Sara Connors Posted over a year ago

Mrs Harris takes a special interest in each of the kids and she stays in touch with them long after they leave. My son will remember the academic lessons as well as the life lessons he learned from this wonderful lady!

Nani Dupee Posted over a year ago

I met Janice about 3 years ago when working Summer Reading Academy at Panther Run ES. I am a veteran teacher from the Glades and did not know anyone at the school site I was working at for the summer. Janice befriended me, shared supplies with me, made sure I was included when the teachers went out to lunch on the training days. She is kind, considerate and became a person I am proud to call friend. She has a passion for education and for her students that passes her passion for "The Wizzard of Oz"! (And that's saying somerhing!) I hope she wins this award, she definately deserves it!

Felicia Pina Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris is absolutely one of the most hard working and most outgoing people I know. She was my teacher in third grade 9 years ago and since the day I met her I knew we would have a bond that couldn’t ever be broken. She was and still is a big role model in my life and the love and support she gives to everyone in her life is absolutely life-changing for sure. She deserves this more than anyone I know and I’m so proud of her accomplishments!!!

Toby Pina Posted over a year ago

My daughter was not a big fan of reading. When she had Ms. Harris, she learned to love language arts. My daughter is a Senior in HS and language arts is still her favorite subject. Thanks Ms Harris for all you have done for the children you teach!!

Coleen Posted over a year ago

Janice is an amazing teacher! While I have not had the privilege of working with her or being her student, I have been her friend for over 30 years. Over this past year we talked about things that impacted our lives. Janice shared stories that showed the how special she is to her students ~ letters written, notes left from students 1 year ago to over 20 years ago! It is truly heartwarming to hear them & wonderful to hear about my friend who is an amazing an devoted teacher. Congrats Janice!

Lisa Kenny Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Janice for 14 years. She is an amazing teacher. She works tirelessly for her students. She is a big part of Panther Run. She does so things for the students there. She always has a smile on her face and treats every student special. She deserves the life changer award for all her hard work.

Marianna Cole Posted over a year ago

There is not a teacher I know who is more enthusiastic and passionate about teaching than Ms Harris! Every time I see her she is excited and eager to share her next idea! Her classroom exudes happiness and positivity. You will never see this woman having a bad day. I ask her all the time, "aren't you tired yet?" I am blown away by her love of teaching and positive disposition! We love Ms Harris!!

Ivonne Sanchez Posted over a year ago

Janice is an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond her duties for her students!

Jack Meeds Posted over a year ago

If there was ever a person who would deserve the Life Changer of the Year Award it would be Janice Harris. I had the pleasure of being her principal when we opened Panther Run Elementary. I personally know she touched the lives of many students. Their lives were changed by her enthusiasm, dedication and concern for each and every student. Janice Harris should be the ONLY choice for the Lifechanger of the Year Award.

Hannah Cooper Posted over a year ago

Ms. Harris was my third grade teacher 11 years ago. Her support not only taught me how to be a hard worker which has led to my success, but her kindness has had a lasting impact on me. To this day, there are still moments when things remind me of something she did for me or taught me, and I truly wouldn’t be the person I am today without her!!

Dwane Earnhardt Posted over a year ago

No doubt Janice deserves the Lifechanger of the Year Award! She’s been changing lives for decades!!! I had the pleasure to observe her make a difference in children’s lives for over 20 years. Your award would validate all the sacrifices and extra time Janice has given to our children. I would not hesitate to recommend her for your Lifechanger of the Year Award. Keep working your magic Janice! We love ya!

Victoria McGrath Posted over a year ago

Well deserved nomination, Janice.

Debbie Hiser Posted over a year ago

Janice is one of the best people I know!!