LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brigette Reese was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Reese creates a positive classroom environment by building relationships with both her students and their families. She makes sure to learn her students' names quickly as well as how to pronounce their names correctly. She also shows a genuine interest in their lives (i.e, favorite toys, sports, music, etc.), their cultures, and other activities that are important to them. She tries to practice active listening and understanding/empathy at all times.

Ms. Reese also establishes trusting relationships and fairness with the students by being respectful to them. She sets clear expectations/rules for the students to follow. These expectations are followed daily so that the students will know what is expected of them. She encourages students to believe in themselves and helps them understand that we all make mistakes, but we can also learn from them. She always tells her students never to say "I can't," but instead say, "I can't YET!"

Ms. Reese praises positive behaviors while redirecting negative behaviors by demonstrating what is expected of students (this goes back to establishing clear daily rituals/routines). She uses positive behavior support systems to reinforce behavior such as earning Spotlight points, Class Dojo points, earning a treat from "treasure box", and positive calls/notes home to parent(s). She redirects misbehavior by conferencing with students first so that they both can focus on a solution to the misbehavior. Her students can earn roles/responsibilities in the classroom, such as being a "helper." With this role, her students can do a multitude of things, such as helping to keep the classroom clean (they love to sweep), or running errands/picking up information packets from the office.

In short: Ms. Reese's classroom is a place where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. She exhibits strong teacher/student/parent relationships, clear rituals/routines, a positive growth mindset, and support. 

In 2024, she earned an Ed.S.  degree in Advanced Educational Studies. She has endorsements in Reading and PBIS.