LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Magdalena Zarzycka was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Zarzycka believes that creating a positive classroom environment starts with building strong, caring relationships with students and establishing consistent routines they can rely on. Many of her students come from low-income households and enter school with limited preschool experience, language barriers, and developmental gaps.

In her kindergarten classroom, she focuses on using positive language, celebrating effort, and incorporating visuals, sensory tools, and calm-down strategies to support emotional regulation. She strives to make every child feel seen and valued by including diverse books and giving students a voice through choice and classroom discussions. By modeling kindness, patience, and joy, Ms. Zarzycka creates a safe and inclusive space where students feel confident to learn, take risks, and support one another.

Ms. Zarzycka has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Developmental Delay.