LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Marcy Soucy was nominated anonymously.

Creating a positive and supportive classroom environment is at the heart of Ms. Soucy's teaching philosophy. She believes students thrive when they feel emotionally safe, respected, and genuinely excited to be part of the learning community. To cultivate this environment, Ms. Soucy implements intentional practices that promote emotional well-being, consistency, and engagement throughout the year.

A key feature of her classroom is the Calm Corner, a quiet, comfortable space where students can go to self-regulate when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. This area empowers students to take responsibility for their emotions healthily and privately. It is not viewed as a consequence, but as a proactive support tool that encourages emotional growth and self-awareness.

Ms. Soucy also uses PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) strategies to promote and reinforce positive behavior. Through clear expectations, consistent language, and recognition of SOARing behaviors, she builds a respectful classroom culture where students understand what's expected and feel motivated to meet those standards. She celebrates small successes often and gives students a voice in shaping classroom routines and culture.

To keep learning joyful and engaging, Ms. Soucy plans Room Transformation Days that align with academic objectives. Whether her classroom becomes a detective agency, astronaut training camp, or book café, these immersive experiences spark creativity, deepen engagement, and strengthen classroom connections. Through these thoughtful approaches, Ms. Soucy creates a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow, emotionally, socially, and academically. Her goal each day is to ensure every learner feels a sense of belonging and the courage to take meaningful risks.