LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Apple Snajczuk was nominated anonymously.

As Ms. Snajczuk prepares for her first year teaching fifth-grade, one of her top priorities is creating a positive and supportive classroom environment. She plans to start by building strong relationships with her students—learning their names quickly, greeting them each day, and taking time to understand who they are as individuals. She also wants to involve them in creating their classroom expectations so they feel a sense of ownership and community from the very beginning.

She believes in reinforcing positive behavior through encouragement and recognition. She focuses on creating an emotionally safe space where students know it's okay to make mistakes and grow. She's working to design a warm, organized classroom that feels welcoming and student-centered, and she's planning activities that connect learning to real life and give students voice and choice.

She also values strong communication with families and intends to keep them informed and involved throughout the year. Her goal is to build a classroom where every student feels respected, supported, and excited to learn. 

Ms. Snajczuk recently graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, which provided her with a strong foundation in understanding child development, behavior, and learning. She is currently enrolled in the iTeach program, where she's receiving hands-on training and mentorship as she transitions into the teaching profession. In addition, she's actively pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling to support further students' academic, emotional, and social growth. Her experiences working with children and adolescents in both educational and support settings have deepened her passion for creating a positive, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.