LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Crandall

Position: Teacher
School: Connor Academy
School District: The Academy Public Charter Schools
City, State: Chubbuck, ID

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Michelle Crandall was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Crandall believes that creating a positive classroom environment begins with building strong, meaningful relationships. Each morning, she greets her students with a big smile, a high five, and a personalized "Good morning" to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and welcomed. Her goal is to create a space where students feel safe, loved, and part of a supportive classroom community.

Ms. Crandall fosters a love of reading by incorporating frequent read-alouds, not only to teach, but to connect, laugh, and spark imagination. Her classroom is filled with cozy touches like small wall shelves featuring books, stuffed animals of book characters, and inspiring quotes that bring stories to life. By making reading fun and accessible, she encourages students to explore books and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Throughout the day, Ms. Crandall builds her students' confidence with encouragement and praise, reminding them that mistakes are a natural part of learning. She incorporates partner work, buddy reading, and collaboration with older fifth-grade peers to help students form positive relationships and strengthen social skills. She sets high expectations because she genuinely believes in her students, and they rise to meet those expectations when they know she is cheering them on.

Through classroom jobs, students gain a sense of responsibility and pride, reinforcing their role in a shared learning community. Ms. Crandall maintains a structured, organized classroom where students know what to expect, creating a calm and focused environment. She weaves life skills into daily conversations, covering topics like kindness, problem-solving, self-care, healthy habits, and finding joy in learning. Above all, Ms. Crandall wants her students to leave each day feeling proud, capable, and loved, knowing they are part of something truly special.

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Comments (13)

Karen Knowlton Posted 6 months ago

I heartily second this nomination! Mrs. Crandall exemplifies those things she teaches, and has certainly changed my life for the better, even though I am an adult friend and not one of her students.

Russ Posted 6 months ago

Does “most fun to be around” score her bonus points? Not only is she caring and compassionate, but she has such an infectious laugh which makes everyone around her happy too! There aren’t enough good adjectives to describe Michelle accurately, but maybe the one that tells you all you need to know about her relationship with others is “empathetic.” She is always there to listen, mourn with you, celebrate, and encourage. What a truly deserving individual!

Beth Posted 6 months ago

We have known Mrs. Crandall for at least 15 years. She has always been such a warm loving part of the Academy as a volunteer and now a Teacher. Every person whether a student, parent or teacher is always greeted with a warm smile. She absolutely deserves the recognition! Cheers to her! Mark & Beth

Brooke Taylor Posted 6 months ago

Ms Crandall is kind and dedicated to helping each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She does amazing as a childhood educator and is deserving of this recognition.

Candice mchawes Posted 6 months ago

Amazing teacher! Although Addilynn is no longer in her class, she still loves ms. Crandall. She makes sure to stop and hug her every day!!

Daryenne Posted 6 months ago

Kaspen speaks nothing but great things about Mrs Crandall and we have been SO lucky to have such an amazing year with her thus far making my sons experience at Connor the best. Well deserved Mrs Crandall !!

Linda Posted 6 months ago

Michelle Crandall deserves this nomination. She is an amazing teacher, parent, friend & super example of someone that cares, loves, & is concerned about children, & people she comes in contact with daily. She has learned since growing up how important every relationship we have can make difference in her life & the persons life. She is creative & always looking for ways to help children learn in different ways. She knows people learn best in different ways. So tries every way she can to help each individual learn the best way they can. She does her homework & always looking for new ways to make each day better. She is not afraid to learn from others & is always checking with others to make sure she is on top of teaching for each child’s needs. She also realizes that teaching & learning is great fun.She has a great desire to help teach the children to be confident, know their self worth & use that in their daily life, at school, play, home or wherever they are. Or whoever they are with. Michelle comes from a large group of family & extended family. When they are together she is always willing & interested in every adult & especially the children. She is the same concerned, woman at home, with the children at school, with the people she works with & her everyday communication. Michelle doesn’t just know how to teach, she knows how to love & interact with everyone. I am grateful to know her & watch her in action & see what she can accomplish.

Alan Posted 6 months ago

Oh my goodness! If I don't hear the words 'Love' and 'Michelle' in the same sentence, then something is wrong. Everyone loves Michelle! Here students, her fellow teachers, administrators, everyone very much enjoys to be around Michelle! She is dedicated to making sure she is prepared each day for her class. She works hard to make sure all her kids feel special and loved. I really don't know of a more loving teacher! She doesn't feel she is worthy of such an awesome nomination but anyone can tell you that she definitely is one that would represent this nomination/award!

Karami Crandall Posted 6 months ago

Michelle devotes so much time and energy to creating a learning environment for her students. She wants them all to feel safe to take risks and safe to safe to learn.

Stephanie Posted 6 months ago

I have known Michelle for many years and have watched her tenderly care for my children through many stages of growth. I love how she remembers my kid’s birthdays and makes it a point to call them to tell them happy birthday.

Kathryn Posted 6 months ago

Ms. Crandall is amazing! She works so hard for her students whom she loves! She strives to help each student feel loved and safe within her classroom! Thank you for all you do to help these little learners!

Sarah Posted 6 months ago

Mrs. Crandall works very hard for her students, classroom, and school. She loves being a teacher and keeps smiling even when it’s hard!

Peggy Posted 6 months ago

Michelle Crandall is an exceptional educator whose influence extends far beyond the classroom and whose dedication to children is evident in every aspect of her life and teaching. Michelle possesses a rare combination of professional excellence, genuine compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students. She creates a learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to do their very best. Her students are not only taught academic skills but are also encouraged to develop confidence, responsibility, and kindness—qualities that will serve them long after they leave her classroom. What sets Michelle apart is her deep understanding of children as individuals. She recognizes their unique strengths and challenges and adjusts her teaching to meet their needs. Parents and colleagues alike consistently express trust in her judgment and gratitude for her ability to connect with students in meaningful ways. Michelle exemplifies the very best of the teaching profession. She teaches with purpose, leads with heart, and serves as a powerful example of what it means to truly care for children. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.