LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amy Trafficante was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Trafficante is a passionate educator who believes that a welcoming, safe, and fun classroom is essential for students to thrive. This year, she is transitioning into her new role teaching Pre-K, an exciting shift from her years of experience in second grade. Ms. Trafficante brings both enthusiasm and thoughtful preparation to support her young learners, especially in her new integrated classroom, where half of the students are typical learners and the other half have diverse learning needs.

This summer, Amy earned her Intervention Specialist credentials, equipping herself with the tools needed to support all learners with compassion and skill. Recognizing the unique emotional and behavioral needs of Pre-K students, she has begun creating a Calm Corner in her classroom, complete with sensory items and flexible seating. She hopes to add headphones and a sound machine to the space, knowing that gentle sounds can help little ones self-regulate more quickly when overwhelmed.

Ms. Trafficante strongly embraces the philosophy that "we learn through play." She is committed to setting up a classroom full of interactive centers that promote movement, creativity, and joyful learning. Her goal is for students to be so engaged in the experience that they don't even realize they're learning, just having fun.

Understanding the importance of early literacy, Ms. Trafficante is working to update her classroom library with more age-appropriate books and engaging read-aloud props to keep young hands busy and attention focused during story time. She also plans to incorporate music and movement activities aligned with student interests to meet children where they are developmentally and create a classroom filled with energy and curiosity.

Above all, Ms. Trafficante is deeply committed to building strong relationships with her students. She takes the time to get to know each child, their interests, likes, and dislikes, because she knows that trust is the foundation of every successful classroom. Ms. Trafficante sees her students as more than learners; they are her 'why,' and she is here wholeheartedly for them.