LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Tisha Jackson was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Jackson creates a positive classroom environment by building strong relationships with students. She learns their names quickly, shows interest in their lives, and regularly checks in with them to create trust and connection. She sets clear expectations for behavior and routines from the start, involving students in creating class rules so they feel ownership.

Ms. Jackson focuses on positive behavior, models respect, and uses restorative approaches to solve problems and keep the environment safe and fair. She also encourages a growth mindset. In math class, where students may feel nervous about making mistakes, Ms. Jackson praises effort and progress. She uses phrases like "You haven't mastered this yet" instead of "That's wrong," which helps students stay motivated.

Ms. Jackson gives students voice and choice in their learning, like letting them choose between different problem sets or how to show their work. This makes them feel valued and more engaged. Collaboration builds community, so she uses group activities and peer support as valuable tools. Whether it's solving math puzzles together or peer tutoring, her students benefit from working with and helping one another.

Ms. Jackson's physical classroom feels welcoming: organized, with student work on the walls, math-themed decorations, and a calm corner for breaks. Finally, her presence matters. She brings energy, shows patience, and shares a love for math to set the tone. When students feel respected, challenged, and supported, they're more likely to enjoy learning and succeed. 

Her students have scored within the top 25 percent in the state and district for Math on their EOG scores.