LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Dana Pearce

Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
School: Central Elementary School
School District: Carroll County Schools
City, State: Carrollton, GA

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Dana Pearce was nominated anonymously.

Building relationships is the number one focus in Ms. Pearce's classroom. All students need to feel important, loved, and valued. She explains to students on day one that character skills are just as important as academics. The two combined equal much success. She is seeking funding to implement a structured, engaging morning meeting space rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) for her students. These daily "Morning Moments That Matter" will offer a consistent and welcoming way to begin each day through community circles, emotional check-ins, mindfulness, and literature-based discussions. SEL support is especially crucial for students navigating the social and academic demands of upper elementary years. Their morning meetings will create a space where every child feels heard, valued, and connected—setting the tone for a productive, respectful, and emotionally supportive school day.

Ms. Pearce's career accomplishments include Teacher of the Year, Carroll County Runner Up TOTY, Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, Times-Georgian "Best of the Best" Reader's Choice (best elementary teacher), and Carroll County recognition for top 10 SGP (student growth percentile) on the Georgia Milestones Assessment.

Comments (17)

Gladys Reese Posted 11 months ago

Throughout my entire life, my mom has taught me what it means to be selfless, kind, and determined. As a teacher myself, I look to her daily for inspiration in the classroom! There is no one more deserving.

Deborah Parris Posted 11 months ago

Dana is an amazing person and an awesome teacher!!

Hilda Jeffers Posted 11 months ago

One of the most caring and dedicated teachers around. The world is a better place because of the many lives she has changed.

Hilda Jeffers Posted 11 months ago

One of the most caring and dedicated teachers around. The world is a better place because of the many lives she has changed.

Tanja Matthews Posted 11 months ago

She is an amazing teacher and a very valuable mentor to all of her students. She has always gone above and beyond the roll of a teacher. She loves each of her students and gives 110% on a daily basis. She is a teacher every child should have in their life.

Nikki Posted 12 months ago

Mrs. Pearce was a fabulous teacher for my son! He has lots of anxiety and she made him feel calm and loved every day of fourth grade. He left her room with tremendous academic and social emotional growth. She was definitely a life changer for him!

Tracy Wilson Posted 12 months ago

Dana Pearce was a shining star even as a student teacher in my daughter’s classroom many years ago. She proved herself to be even more amazing when my granddaughter was in her class years later. She is a phenomenal spirit who shows positive regard for all students. I’m so excited for the SEL program she is proposing. As a family therapist I cannot stress enough the importance of what this could provide for all students. What a remarkable idea but it’s no surprise as Dana Pearce is a remarkable human!

Heather Thompson Posted 12 months ago

Not only is she an AMAZING teacher (she has my own child this year) she is the very BEST friend a girl could have! I strive to be half the teacher and person she is daily!

Stacy Sledge Posted 12 months ago

Ms. Pearce encourages all of her students regardless of their ability to push themselves even beyond their own expectations. She is loving, passionate and supportive of her students. She even has students who have moved on to other grade levels who still make efforts to come and see her because of how she believed in them! She is truly deserving of praise and recognition.

Kathy Candler Posted 12 months ago

Dana Pierce has a gift for teaching. She provides an inviting learning environment in her classroom and a learning style that enables her students to achieve the next level of accomplishment.

Toni Drake Posted 12 months ago

The first thing I can say is Dana Pearce is “real”!!! She is kind to everyone and her students love her. She teaches life/character skills in and out of the classroom. I teach art at the school, and she is always sharing with her students how important art is in creating a well-rounded person. Her practical advice to her class is a strength I see that can carry students very far. She explains the “why”.

Tammy Lee Posted 12 months ago

Dana your classroom is a place of encouragement and support, and it's clear that you care deeply about your students. Your communication with parents is always clear and helpful. You handle diverse learning needs with grace and skill. Your dedication to your students' success is truly admirable. You are for such a wonderful person and teacher. Also, thank you for showing so much love and support towards my child. He will never forget you and neither will I.

Anna Posted 12 months ago

She is my son’s teacher this year, and we have heard nothing but great things. I would be thrilled if he had a space and system like this in the mornings to help him grow as a person, not just as an academic.

Julie Posted 12 months ago

Ms. Pearce is an amazing teacher who truly cares about of her students and works hard to make them feel loved and accepted. She communicates with parents and students to help the learn and be successful!

Savannah House Posted 12 months ago

Mrs. Pearce, a beloved member of our family, is the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting impact far beyond the classroom. She teaches her students more than just academics—she teaches them how to be good people. Whether she’s guiding them through a lesson or helping them navigate a conflict, she instills values like respect, compassion, and perseverance in everything she does. Her classroom is a safe place where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow, both intellectually and personally. As a family, we are so proud of the way she leads by example, shaping not just smart students, but kind and thoughtful individuals.

Bridget Chambers Posted 12 months ago

Mrs. Pearce is truly one of a kind. She has such a compassionate heart and cares about her students more than any teacher I have ever seen. I never had to worry while my daughter, Ana was with her because I knew she was in the best care. Even after my daughter was no longer in the grade that Mrs. Pearce taught, she continued to watch over Ana throughout her years at the middle school. She goes well beyond her duties as a teacher and I honestly feel that she loves and cares for her students the same as she loves and cares for her son. She is truly a God sent blessing to the Carroll County School System and I couldn't imagine anyone who deserves this more.

Ginnie Prater Posted 12 months ago

I’m so proud of my daughter, Dana. Please support her by sharing this on your FB page!