LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jason Jandayan

Position: Special Education Teacher
School: Arturo Salazar Elementary School
School District: Dallas Independent School District
City, State: Dallas, TX

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Jason Jandayan was nominated anonymously.

Working every day with special education children has been Mr. Jandayan's lifelong dream, ever since he saw his deaf-mute sister thrive in life despite her disability. Witnessing her overcome challenges and embrace life's possibilities inspired him to share that same hope and success with his students. His classroom is rooted in the vision of being a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment—especially for his students with autism.

He believes that his classroom must be a space that nurtures growth, unlocks each child's potential, and equips them to succeed in life. He is deeply committed to building a classroom where every child can learn in a way that aligns with their unique learning style, moving from dependence to independence. He takes great pride in helping his students develop independent living skills that empower them to thrive in our inclusive society.

Every corner of his classroom is thoughtfully designed to support their unique abilities. He incorporates elements of the Montessori approach, focusing on hands-on, child-directed learning that adapts to each student's needs and strengths. Over the past few years, fellow educators have visited his classroom to learn how he structures and cultivates a positive learning environment for children with special needs.

He has been working in special education for seven years, and every year that he gets to structure his classroom, he would always take something out of his pocket to ensure that he is buying quality and purposeful products that he can use in his classroom. Every time he structures his classroom, organization is always his top priority.

Career Accomplishments:

1. He is an international teacher who has met the Dallas ISD standards to teach and serve its community.

2. He received a scholarship grant for his Master's degree in Special Education at Texas State University, awarded by the Association of Hispanic School Administrators.

3. He is currently the Special Education Instructional Coach and Chairperson at Arturo Salazar Elementary School.

4. He was chosen as the Teacher of Promise at the school for the 2023–2024 school year.

5. He has served as a mentor teacher for novice special education teachers in the district, helping them structure their classrooms effectively.

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Comments (7)

Cecilia Macias Posted 7 months ago

Mr. Jandayan is the most amazing teacher I have known. My son this year compare from last year have improve so much. I can see that he is comfortable to go to school happy, excited even when he is not feeling 100% good he does not show me that he does not want to go to school at all. He loves it. Also, the way Mr. Jandayan teaches is so amazing, fun, and healthy for our children. He makes sure they all learn in his classroom and to be more independent. I will forever be greatful for this amazing teacher.

Catherine Mandin Posted 10 months ago

If you’ve ever walked down the hallway and found your day instantly brightened by a warm smile or an encouraging word, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Mr. Jandayan. He’s not just a colleague—he’s a beacon of hope, energy, and unwavering commitment in our school community. Mr. Jandayan is a passionate advocate for special education. For him, teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling. You can see it in the way he engages with his students—with patience, creativity, and boundless compassion. He believes in the potential of every child and goes above and beyond to ensure each one feels valued, capable, and empowered. Whether he’s designing individualized lessons or celebrating small victories with genuine joy, his dedication is evident in every moment. What makes him truly special is not just the way he teaches, but the way he inspires. His classroom is a place of magic—where students thrive, grow, and discover their strengths. Outside the classroom, his presence uplifts everyone he encounters. He has a way of making people feel seen, appreciated, and part of something meaningful. Selfless, passionate, and driven by love for his students, Mr. Jandayan reminds us all why we chose to be educators. He doesn’t just advocate for his kids—he empowers them. And in doing so, he leaves a lasting impact on everyone around him.

leyla Posted 11 months ago

imy sir <3

Teresa Antoinette Posted 11 months ago

Jason is an enthusiastic and committed educator. He is passionate in his service towards special education and always brings the best smile (plus dance moves) in every classroom he goes.

Mitzie Osabel Posted 11 months ago

Jason is one of the most extraordinary teachers I know. He teaches with passion, patience, and a genuine love for helping students grow. He goes beyond simply delivering lessons, he makes learning meaningful and engaging. Jason is deeply committed to ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success.

Rianne Balbon Posted 11 months ago

Such an inspiration, Sir Jason! ??

Kristine Posted 11 months ago

Thank you for being an inspiration, Mr. Jason!