LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brad Baracani was nominated anonymously.

Mr. Baracani creates a positive classroom environment through a variety of thoughtful strategies grounded in his philosophy of “praise loudly and discipline quietly.” He consistently promotes the mindset of The Power of Yet, reminding students that difficulty with a concept is temporary and can be overcome with effort and perseverance. To foster a strong sense of community, Mr. Baracani assigns classroom jobs, giving students meaningful roles that help them feel connected and responsible. He emphasizes self-improvement over grades, encouraging students to focus on personal growth rather than just test scores. To build ownership and respect for expectations, he guides the class in creating their own classroom rules, ensuring student buy-in. 

Conflict resolution is another important part of Mr. Baracani’s educational approach. He teaches students to use “I Messages” to communicate their feelings and resolve conflicts peacefully, stepping in when necessary to model and facilitate this process. His classroom is also run democratically, with students voting on decisions that affect the whole group. Mr. Baracani motivates students with a “WOW Board,” a visual tool where students earn recognition for positive choices, kind behavior, participation, and “WOW Moments.” Once the board fills, a prize drawing celebrates their achievements, creating excitement and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Additionally, Mr. Baracani provides a “Calming Corner” in the classroom, a dedicated space where students can reset and manage their emotions. This area is stocked with puzzles, manipulatives, crayons, and paper, offering a supportive environment for students to regroup and refocus. Through these intentional practices, Brad cultivates a respectful, encouraging, and motivating classroom where students feel valued, empowered, and ready to grow.