LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Santhia Murdaugh-Gist was nominated anonymously.

As an elementary school teacher, creating a positive classroom environment is at the heart of everything Ms. Murdaugh-Gist does. She believes that before students can thrive academically, they need to feel safe, seen, and supported—socially, emotionally, and intellectually. She starts by building strong relationships with each of her students. She takes time to learn about their interests, their families, and what makes them light up. She greets them by name each morning, and she listens when they talk. Whether it's a story about their weekend or a worry they're carrying, she wants them to know their voice matters.

In her classroom, Ms. Murdaugh-Gist and her students co-create their expectations. She doesn't just post rules on the wall, but invites students into the process. Together, they talk about what respect looks like, how they want to treat one another, and what kind of community they want to build. This helps them feel ownership and accountability, and it sets the tone for a space where everyone belongs and agrees.

She's intentional about meeting each student where they are, emotionally and academically. Some students need extra encouragement to take risks, while others need help managing big feelings. She incorporates daily check-ins, calm-down corners, and social-emotional learning activities to help students develop self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.

She also models vulnerability and a growth mindset; if she makes a mistake, she owns it. If something's hard, she talks through it. She wants students to see that learning is a journey, not a race.

Her classroom is designed to be warm and welcoming. She displays student work, uses flexible seating at times, and creates cozy reading nooks, including a calming corner for those days when reflection or re-charging is needed. She also makes sure students see themselves reflected in the books they read and the topics they explore. Representation matters, and she wants every child to feel valued and included.

She encourages collaboration and kindness. Ms. Murdaugh-Gist's students do a lot of partner and group work, and she teaches them how to listen actively, give feedback, and solve problems together. They celebrate not just individual achievements, but team successes too. 

Finally, she maintains a predictable routine. Young learners thrive on structure, so she uses visual schedules, consistent transitions, and clear expectations. This helps reduce anxiety and builds a sense of security. Her goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves, excited to learn, and confident that they are cared for. When students feel emotionally supported, they're more willing to take academic risks—and that's when the real magic happens.

As a second-grade teacher in a Title I school, she is committed to creating an equitable and focused learning environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed. Many of her students come from homes with limited financial resources, and she strives to provide as much as she can to support their academic and emotional growth while balancing the needs of her own family. 

Career Accomplishments:

• 2024-2025: Copeland Elementary School Teacher of the Year
• 2024-2025: Brian Jordan Reading Challenge Top Class Winner
• 2022-2025: District Lead Mentor for Copeland Elementary School
• Tier 1 Leadership Certification