LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Brown was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Brown is a passionate and experienced educator who has been teaching since 2003. She creates a positive classroom environment by prioritizing social-emotional learning, empathy, and inclusion. Each day, she uses a mood meter to check in with her students and encourages them to journal about their emotions and personal growth. Through meaningful discussions on identity, equity, and acceptance, she fosters a classroom culture where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to make inclusive decisions.

Ms. Brown invests in books each year, but her students' love of reading leads to heavy wear and limited supply. She hopes to add more nonfiction titles, especially biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, and to stock multiple copies of high-interest books to encourage shared reading experiences among her students. A large iPad would enable students to independently check out and return books, helping them take ownership of their reading habits. Ms. Brown also dreams of replacing basic spiral notebooks with pre-made reading journals that support book tracking, daily reflections, and goal setting.

Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has earned a Master's degree and a gifted education endorsement. She has also achieved National Board Certification. Her work continues to center on fostering a love of learning, promoting emotional intelligence, and creating a supportive and inclusive space where every student thrives.