LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lori Harris was nominated by her colleague, Robin Dawson.

Ms. Harris is a tireless educational dynamo and a beacon of dedication in elementary education! With over three decades of service in first-grade and kindergarten classrooms, Ms. Harris exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator in a Title I public school. Her unwavering commitment to her students and the educational community shines through in every aspect of her work, demonstrating a proven ability to make a life-changing difference for her stakeholders.

Ms. Harris' impact on her students extends far beyond the curriculum. She creates personalized holiday letters for each child each year and meticulously crafts unique memory books to celebrate their educational journeys by hand. Her classroom is a nurturing haven where children feel safe exploring, questioning, and growing. By sacrificing her time and working tirelessly, she ensures that her classroom is always welcoming and stimulating. This dedication sets a tone that reverberates throughout the school, inspiring her colleagues (who often beg her to go home before the sun sets).

Her leadership within the school and district is evident in her proactive approach to supporting her colleagues. She has organized collections for needy staff members, fostering a sense of community and belonging. She is a teacher's teacher. Everyone trusts Ms. Harris to do what is best for kids. Her ability to adapt to changing educational landscapes while maintaining her core values of compassion and dedication is a testament to her professional strength and belief that every child CAN. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, setting a high standard for colleagues and serving as a role model for new teachers. 

She understands that many of her students come from challenging backgrounds and strives to make her classroom a second home. By fostering emotional intelligence alongside academic skills, Ms. Harris prepares her students for the next grade level and life as empathetic, confident individuals. Teens and adults come back year after year to check in with her, thank her, and fill her in on their lives. She is a teacher they will not forget. She treats each child with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or abilities. Her commitment to equity ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive. By modeling integrity and compassion, she instills these values in her students, preparing them to become responsible, caring members of society.

Ms. Harris' impact has extended far beyond the confines of her classroom for over 30 years. She goes to her students' sporting events and performances, has attended many funerals, and has sat by many hospital beds supporting her kiddos. She has educated, mentored, and supported over 700 tiny scholars making their mark on the world! What a profound responsibility she has borne for much of her life! Her tireless efforts, personal sacrifices, and innovative approaches to teaching make her an invaluable asset to her school, her district, and most importantly, to the countless children she has touched.

"In Lori Harris, we see the embodiment of what it means to be a truly dedicated educator, one who shapes not just minds, but hearts and futures," said Dawson.