LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kady Pearce was nominated anonymously.

Some of Ms. Pearce's favorite comments from students are when they say they love being in her classroom or that they feel safe there. That means everything to her, and she works hard to keep those comments coming. 

She creates a positive environment in many intentional ways. Ms. Pearce greets every student at the door with a smile and a fist bump. It's a fresh start every day and a small moment to connect. She keeps a calm tone in her room and rarely raises her voice. If there's ever an issue, she pulls students aside to talk privately. They know that she respects them.

Each class has a "Student of the Week" that they celebrate every Friday. They get a small prize, but more importantly, Ms. Pearce contacts their families to share the good news. It's a moment of joy that builds confidence and connection. She and her students also participate in "Grins and Groans" each Friday, where they share the highs and lows of their week. These check-ins help students build a sense of community and show them that they're not alone. She incorporates movement into their lessons every day to keep energy high and engagement levels up. Even when the content is challenging, they lean into the power of "yes." She consistently encourages a growth mindset.

Most importantly, she builds genuine relationships with her students. Ms. Pearce takes the time to get to know her students, listen to them, and support them. Because of that, they feel comfortable coming to her for both academic and personal issues. A positive classroom doesn't happen by accident. It takes intention, consistency, and heart, and it's the foundation of everything she does.

One of her most pressing needs is classroom supplies that support both engagement and community-building. Her students thrive when they feel connected and active, so she is always looking for ways to keep learning hands-on, collaborative, and joyful, even when the content is tough. She also uses team-building games, station materials, and creative projects to encourage students to move and think together.

Another significant need is incentives and tools to support classroom culture. Kady runs a Student of the Week program in each of her classes, and the small prizes she gives out (certificates, fun pens, snacks, and notebooks) mean a great deal to the students. They light up when she recognizes their efforts, and it motivates them to do their best. 

Additionally, she has started doing classroom transformations to immerse students in their learning. These are days when the room is decorated to match the lesson's theme. Some past examples include celebrating Rachel's birthday while reading "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros, decorating their room and hallways in a pirate theme for STAARRRR review, and participating in "argument surgery," where they decorated the room like a surgical unit. These experiences bring energy and excitement into the classroom, and students remember them long after the lesson is over. To make these happen, she needs themed props, decor, and hands-on materials to bring the experience to life truly.

These resources may seem small, but they make a huge impact. They help her create a space where students feel safe, excited to learn, and supported in every way—academically, emotionally, and socially.

Ms. Pearce has focused on building strong relationships, helping students grow, and creating a classroom environment that is both positive and academically challenging. She has been named Staff Member of the Month every year she has taught, a recognition that means a lot to her, coming from her peers. She holds a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, which has enhanced her ability to design engaging, standards-based lessons that cater to the diverse needs of all learners. Her students consistently demonstrate strong academic growth, and she works diligently to ensure they feel capable, supported, and proud of their progress. In addition to her classroom role, she has led professional development for colleagues and regularly participates in school events and functions. Whether she's sharing strategies that work in her classroom or helping build school spirit, she believes in contributing to a strong, connected school culture.