LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Leila Garcia was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Garcia is a passionate high school educator who works with resource students on individualized education plans (IEPs) who are performing below grade level. After 19 years in elementary education, she transitioned to high school and quickly embraced the opportunity to support older students as they grow in confidence and skills, especially in writing and communication. Her classroom centers on Positive Behavior Support (PBS), promoting respect, effort, and collaboration. A key tool is her “Treasure Chest,” where students earn rewards for positive behaviors like participation and completing assignments. This system boosts motivation, self-esteem, and creates an inclusive, supportive environment. Her students benefit from hands-on, visual learning tools such as manipulatives and graphic organizers, which help them engage with challenging content.