Laraine Matisi
Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: Lowellville Elementary School
School District: Lowellville Local School District
City, State: Lowellville, OH
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Laraine Matisi was nominated by her colleague, Amanda Signor.
Ms. Matisi has taught for more than 30 years. Her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is contagious! She is creative. The events she has started are so memorable that seniors come back every year to talk to her about them. She shows them pictures and work samples from when she had them as students. They are in awe that she kept those things over the years.
"She downplays her role, not seeing the truly amazing teacher she is. Teachers like her are rare. She still shows up with enthusiasm daily and is always reflective on how she can improve or what she can do differently to help her students get it. She encourages her colleagues and always lets them know that the great things they are doing are noticed. She is inspirational, and I truly hope that I can build traditions for my students like she has done for hers," said Signor.
As a high school teaching having taught with Laraine since 2004, I have seen the impact she has had on her students even years after they have left her classroom. Year after year, when she would invite my high school Spanish classes to teach vocabulary to her elementary students for a book, the excitement in my classroom was palpable. My students would light up when they learned that they were returning to Mrs. Matisi's class. When they would arrive for the lesson, she would often tell them about the moments that she remembered from their time in her classroom. This type of interaction says so much about the care, heart and soul that she has put into her teaching and about the relationships she has built at Lowellville. Laraine is truly deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Laraine for many years as she was my first high school cheerleading coach. She later became the 3rd grade teacher for all three of my kids and I have had the pleasure of working with her for a number of year as well. In any position, Laraine goes above and beyond to be the very best she can be. To say she is an exceptional teacher is an understatement. She gives more effort than anyone I know. She is a true educator who never tires. She is the first one in the building and the last one to leave. She cares deeply for each and every one of her students and is vested in their achievements. We are so lucky to have her in our school system and my kids are better people for having Laraine as a teacher. Laraine is a top notch educator, a remarkable person and so deserving of this award!
Laraine's love for teaching and energy level is off the charts! Her classroom is dynamic, fun, and always full of surprises! I hope to carry on that kind of dedication and energy in my coming years as an educator! She is a joy to have here at Lowellville!
Ms. Matisi is a first rate educator with a wealth of experience. Her connections and attention to students is second to none. We all would be fortunate to have a teacher in our lives like
her. She’s so deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Having taught in the same school system with Laraine, I have seen first hand what an amazing and inspiring teacher she is. She’s awesome!
I am so excited that Mrs. Matisi (Laraine) has been nominated by one of her colleagues! Laraine is so deserving of this honor. She is the epitome of the perfect teacher! Laraine is kind, creative, energetic, passionate, positive, hilarious, extremely intelligent, and empathetic. Mrs. Matisi is also very humble. She never wants the spotlight to be put on her. She works hard every single day to shine the light on other people! She finds creative ways to build up her colleagues and her "kids". Mrs. Matisi is that person that makes a poster, writes a card, sings a song, does a cheer, creates a photo book, etc...to highlight accomplishments of her students or bring a smile to their face. She has changed the lives of hundreds of kids over the years...including mine! She makes every child feel loved, accepted and supported.
Laraine creates a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. We are truly blessed to have her in our school system and community. We love you, Mrs. Matisi!
I left a comment a month ago about Laraine Matisi but did not put MY name!
"When you think about an "Effective Teacher" you immediately think of Laraine Matisi. Mrs. Matisi has dedicated her life and soul to being a teacher. The students, creating a warm, inviting, supportive environment for all learners and being proactive is Laraine's mission and has been for over 30 years. For many years, Laraine's car is the last one in the parking lot after school. Working at night at home on grading, planning, and creating for the next day never is a chore or a bother for Laraine. Going past her classroom filled with smiles and active learning you can hear "Teacher Talk" that inspires students to build understanding and try their best daily. Yes, Laraine is an Effective Teacher and continues to learn everything she can!"
I am honored to have written about Mrs. Laraine Matisi-a fellow teacher and loving sister. Many conversations we have center around teaching and meeting the needs of students. It will always be that way because teaching comes from the heart and Laraine's heart will never be at capacity!
Laraine is one of the most committed teachers I have known in my 32 years as a teacher. She is constantly striving to enhance her teaching methods so that her students get excited to be learning. She is a life-long learner who encourages all of her students to reach to be the best they can be.
Mrs. Matisi has never varied or tired of maintaining a dedicated, energetic and caring environment for her students. She is truly one of a kind.
Miss Matisi is such a beautiful person inside and outside. She really cares about her students. I thank God she is my grandsons teacher !
As a young girl growing up her summer vacations were spent trying to convince the neighborhood kids to play school every day so that she could be the teacher, from those summer days of playing school she had only one ambition and that was to teach. Fast forward 40 years later through all the years of college, student teaching and eventually having her own class the constant that has never changed is her love for her students. Having been married for 45 years to this amazing woman I have shared the whole spectrum of emotions that she comes home with every day, highs and lows. I sometimes try to reassure her that she can't turn everyone into a scholar and every time the answer is why not. She is a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. Her countless hours at school every day are legendary, I joke with her as every school year approaches that I will see you in June. She is and has been a true Life Changer for her students.
Laraine is one of the most devoted teachers there is. She is always striving to learn new ways to meet the needs of her students and ways to better herself as a teacher. Her creativity and dedication is unmatched. Her former students stay in touch with her because when they leave her classroom they leave with the feeling of continued care from her. I was lucky to have such a fun-loving and hard-working partner with whom to share my career.
Mrs. Matisi was my son’s 2nd grade teacher and she truly changed his life. He absolutely adored her. She took a child who hated reading and helped him fall in love with learning, especially Greek mythology. She challenged him in math and made him proud of what he could do. She brought lessons to life with creative activities, so the students never forgot what they learned. She went above and beyond by writing letters to my son when he was sick, even dropping them off at our home, and she created a personalized memory book for every single student. She earned the respect of her class by being her true self and made every child feel safe and cared for. My older daughter, who never had her, often says when her brother shares random facts, “Well, you know that because you were lucky enough to have Mrs. Matisi.” That says it all.
I have known Laraine Matisi for many years and she has always been one of the most upbeat and enthusiastic teachers I have ever known. She makes learning fun for her students. She is very deserving of this award.
Both of my children have had the pleasure of being Mrs Matisi students. She makes learning fun and the kids want to be in school. The kids are excited and engaged by her teaching style. There isn't a parent or student in our district that wouldn't say she is the best teacher ever.
Lorraine is a very caring teacher. Her class is well behaved and know what is expected. All done with kindness.
Wow!!! She truly deserves this nomination!!! She taught my children many moons ago and I can say…. Her enthusiasm as a teacher definitely impacted my children very positively!!! She definitely does not realize what an amazing educator that she is… because it’s just natural to her… she loves all “her kids” and it shows…. Every single day and every single school year…. it shows!!! She has such passion, enthusiasm and pure love for all the students!!! She definitely made an impact on my children and us as parents!!! Thank you Mrs. Matisi for being one of the best teachers ever!!!
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs Matisi the teacher as well as the person. Having had her teach one of my 2 children approximately 20 years ago, he still recalls the positive impact she had on his becoming a Pharmacist. As a parent having been involved for the last 20 plus years,there isn’t a year that goes by that I do not hear students and parents saying not only great things but requesting her as their teacher.She has mentored many teachers just by her daily processes and positive motivation daily. I cannot think of a more deserving teacher and person to be nominated for this award and definately deserving of receiving it. Thank you Mrs Matisi for all that you do inside and outside of the school and best of luck even though I’m sure you are already the winner in many students,parents,peers and friends ballot.
Every since my child had Mrs. MATISI for third grade I have told everyone that she was the best teacher he had in elementary school. I watched him come out of his shell and really enjoy school and learning. At the end of the school year she sent home a stack of pictures that documented his whole year. What a gift! She definitely changed Ant's life for the better.
I am so excited to see Ms. Matisi nominated for the Life Changer of the Year Award! She had my son in her class, and I can say without hesitation that she went above and beyond to make sure he was cared for, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. Her kindness, patience, and dedication truly made a difference not only in his life, but in the lives of so many students and families.
This nomination is a beautiful reflection of the care and hard work she pours into her students every day. Thank you for being such a strong influence on our kids, and showing what it means to be both a teacher and a life-changer. You’ve touched our hearts, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor!
What sets Mrs. Matisi apart is how much of herself she pours into her work. Long after the hallways are empty, you’ll still find her in her room planning lessons, creating materials, or thinking up new ways to make learning meaningful and fun. She’s the kind of teacher who turns ordinary moments into lasting memories for kids. She’s warm, funny, endlessly patient, and fiercely dedicated to helping every child succeed. Our school is better because she’s here, and her students are lucky to have her.
Mrs. Matisi Is an excellent teacher to my second grader!
Mrs. Matisi is one of a kind! Her energy and positivity is contagious! She was my teacher in third grade and was my son’s teacher last year. When I found out she was going to be my son’s teacher I was ecstatic, as she was my favorite teacher of all time! The way she embraces every child and always finds the good in everyone is amazing! Mrs. Matisi always goes above and beyond for her students. An example, she makes each child a binder at the end of the school year with memories, pictures, and projects throughout the whole school year. She makes such a positive impact and lasting impressing on everyone she meets!
It is an honor to nominate Laraine Matisi for this award. She is an experienced, compassionate, and supportive educator who has a true heart of gold. Known for the loving care she shows her students, she creates a classroom where every child feels valued, safe, and capable of success. She also represents our culture of collaboration and commitment to growth, working closely with peers and students to continually build a stronger learning community. Beyond the classroom, she is deeply respected throughout the school and the entire community for her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering dedication to students. Her positive impact is felt daily, and her ability to inspire, uplift, and lead makes her truly deserving of such a prestigious award.
Laraine Matisi is exceptionally deserving of this recognition. She has devoted her career to the success and well-being of her students, dedicating countless hours to preparing lessons that address the individual needs of every learner. Beyond academics, she fosters strong and lasting relationships with students and their families, often continuing well beyond their time in her classroom. Laraine is the type of educator who never seeks recognition for herself; instead, she consistently supports her colleagues, contributes as a valued team member, and exemplifies professionalism in every aspect of her work. Her unwavering commitment to education and to the lives of her students makes her truly worthy of this honor.
When you think about an "Effective Teacher" you immediately think of Laraine Matisi. Mrs. Matisi has dedicated her life and soul to being a teacher. The students, creating a warm, inviting, supportive environment for all learners and being proactive is Laraine's mission and has been for over 30 years. For many years, Laraine's car is the last one in the parking lot after school. Working at night at home on grading, planning, and creating for the next day never is a chore or a bother for Laraine. Going past her classroom filled with smiles and active learning you can hear "Teacher Talk" that inspires students to build understanding and try their best daily. Yes, Laraine is an Effective Teacher and continues to learn everything she can!
I have worked with Laraine for 26 years in the library at the Lowellville Elementary School. Laraine is a very interesting teacher who engages her students with respect and kindness. Her teaching style creates a positive and welcoming classroom environment. Whenever I would go into Laraine’s classroom to help, I would find myself so engaged by her teaching that I ended up paying more attention to her than actually helping. Whenever her class comes to the library, she suggests books or topics related to what they are studying for me to read to them. This provides a connection to learning that is going on in the classroom that I can help support.