LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Angelica Granger was nominated by the school's principal, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn.

Ms. Granger epitomizes what it means to be a LifeChanger, making her an exemplary candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year award. With over 15 years of dedicated service in education, all spent at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, she has emerged as a cornerstone of our school community. Her exceptional teaching has consistently resulted in some of the highest scores in both math and reading among her scholars, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive across various grade levels and circumstances.

Ms. Granger's innovative approach to learning is evident in her transformative classroom practices. She creatively transforms her learning environment into different historical periods, fully immersing herself and her students in the experience, which captivates their imaginations and enhances their understanding of complex concepts. By holding her scholars to high expectations—just as she holds herself—she cultivates a culture of excellence that inspires her students to strive for their best.

Beyond her remarkable teaching abilities, Ms. Granger has taken on various leadership roles that highlight her commitment to her peers' professional development and her students' academic success. As a mentor teacher, she has provided invaluable coaching and professional development, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement among faculty. Her promotion to the MTSS Coordinator position underscores her expertise in analyzing data to identify the right interventions for students needing additional support in math and reading. Her commitment extends to tutoring before and after school and mentoring middle school scholars through the Towers of Excellence program, demonstrating her dedication to uplifting students at every level.

Inspired by her work with these scholars, she founded her organization, Order My Steps, which assists high school students in navigating the college admissions process. Through securing funding for annual college tours and working closely with alumni on weekends, she has opened doors to opportunities that may have otherwise remained closed. Additionally, Ms. Granger is an active mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago and leads the youth group at her church, reflecting her unwavering dedication to serving her community. Her generous spirit and boundless compassion set her apart as a LifeChanger, making her deserving of this prestigious award.