LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kimberli Briggs

Position: Third Grade Teacher
School: Horace Mann Elementary School
School District: Springfield City School District
City, State: Springfield, OH

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Kimberli Briggs was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Briggs fosters a positive and welcoming classroom environment by building strong relationships and promoting a sense of community from the very start of each day. She begins with a classroom meeting, giving students a chance to share about their lives, whether it's what they had for dinner, how their sports game went, or a new movie they watched. These daily check-ins help students feel heard, valued, and connected.

Each year, Ms. Briggs' class creates a shared Classroom Mission Statement, which sets the tone for teamwork, encouragement, and collective responsibility. This mission becomes a guiding principle that promotes positive behavior and supports a classroom culture where everyone cheers each other on. To reinforce positive actions, Ms. Briggs uses creative, engaging systems like the WOW Squares chart.

This 10x10 grid gives students the chance to earn a square for being kind, doing well on assignments, or making good choices. Once the chart is complete, usually every two weeks, students eagerly await the chance to win a prize during the random drawing of letter-number combinations.

Additionally, the class works together to spell the word "compliment" by earning letters for respectful behavior in the hallway, during specials, or when working with a substitute teacher. Once the whole word is earned, the class receives a fun reward like extra recess, snack time, or an Art Hub for Kids activity. Because students always know what they're working toward, this system keeps them motivated and engaged.

Above all, Ms. Briggs is dedicated to creating a classroom where students want to be, a space that feels safe, supportive, and full of joy. Her thoughtful routines and positive reinforcement strategies help ensure that every child feels a sense of belonging and pride in their learning community.

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Comments (12)

Cathy Weaver Posted 5 months ago

I have worked with Kim for many years. Kim is an amazing teacher who cares tremendously about her students. She is incredibly organized, which allows her to meet all of her students’ needs. She is willing to help students in every way she can. She communicates very well with parents. Kim is so helpful with other staff members to help them be successful. I have seen this first hand when I was on the first grade team with her for a few years. She is cooperative and willing to go above and beyond for her students. Kim is such a caring person, who does all she can for children. Kim Briggs is deserving of this award.

Kristen Kruse Posted 5 months ago

I am an Intervention Specialist in Mrs. Briggs’s classroom. I will forever be grateful for how she befriended me and made me feel so welcome my first year at Horace Mann. I have been there 4 years now and love being in her classroom. She always greets me upon entering her classroom and is very flexible with my schedule. Her students love and respect her, which is evident in the daily hugs and former students who stop by her classroom daily. She is always thinking ahead, and is well prepared each day. Her students know what is expected of them and learn life skills along with academic skills. Mrs. Briggs takes pride in watching her students grow and learn. She is an amazing educator and mentor. Truely deserving of this award!

Courtney Sparks Posted 5 months ago

We absolutely adore Mrs. Briggs. We first met her when my first daughter started second grade. Then again when my 2nd daughter got her for 2nd grade and is now getting her again for 3rd grade. She's fantastic with communication, she truly has the passion it takes to not only teach the children but care about them as well. If anyone deserves this award, its her. She goes above and beyond. Shes helped encourage the kids to be confident and push them to work hard. These kids are going to grow up and remember her for the rest of their lifes. I know my kids adore her and talk about her all the time. My 2nd daughter is so sad she won't have her next year. Mrs. Briggs we are so happy to see you getting the recognition you DESERVE and have earned. You're truly this generations Ms. Honey. Thank you for being the best teacher. Thank you for caring for ours kids. Thank you for making such a positive impact in their life. You don't go unnoticed.

Brittany Phillips Posted 5 months ago

Mrs. Briggs is truly one of the most dedicated and caring teachers I have ever known. She genuinely loves her students and wants to see each of them succeed. She respects their differences, celebrates their achievements, and is always a compassionate shoulder to lean on when they need extra support. My son adores her, and she has made an impression on him that goes far beyond that of an educator. She has consistently helped him—and our family—navigate challenging times, working closely with us to help him do his very best. I cannot fully express how grateful our family is to have had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Briggs, and I am so happy to see her receive the recognition she has earned through her passion for teaching and her love for her students.

Amanda Rockfield Posted 5 months ago

I don't have the pleasure of knowing Ms. Briggs for many years, but I'm still glad to have enrolled my two daughters to Horace Mann. Otherwise we wouldn't have met her. 2nd grade came for my oldest, which was only a couple years ago and that was when I witnessed first hand how great she is! My second daughter is enjoying her class for a 2nd time. She had her in 2nd grade and now in 3rd grade since Ms. Briggs moved up. She's great with communication, which is very important to us parents. She's also a great role model and I think up and coming teachers should look up to her and would learn from her teachings. We will forever remember Ms. Briggs and hope to stay in touch beyond 3rd grade.

Bridget Neely Posted 5 months ago

I have known Mrs. Briggs for over 30 years, and she has always wanted to be a teacher. That goal has never changed. The Springfield City School District held a special place in her heart long before she ever began teaching there. Her mother, Sue Reames, worked for many years in the district as a cafeteria worker at Simon Kenton, so the dedication to the school district runs deep. While attending the University of Rio Grande, Kim’s mom was diagnosed with cancer. During that time, Kim attended classes during the week and drove home every weekend to help care for her mother as she navigated her cancer journey. She did this without hesitation for the final two years of her degree. That commitment reflects the dedication, compassion, and selflessness she brings to everything she does. After college, there was never any doubt about where Kim wanted to work. She wanted to return home where she was raised. Mrs. Briggs cares deeply for her students and their families. She is often sought out for her strong classroom management skills and regularly mentors student teachers, many of whom I’m sure carry the lessons learned in her classroom into their own future careers. Parents frequently request Mrs. Briggs for their younger children, which speaks to the trust she builds with families. On a personal note, when my own daughter considered pursuing a career in education, Kim took the time to guide her and help her find the right path toward achieving her goal of becoming a teacher with an end goal of being a counselor. Mrs. Briggs’ LifeChanger of the Year nomination is well deserved. Knowing Kim though, she would say she is simply doing her job. But those who know her know it is much more than that. Her dedication, compassion, and belief in her students have made a lasting impact on the lives she touches. Congratulations to all three nominees, and especially congratulations to Mrs. Briggs.

Stacey Posted 5 months ago

I’ve known Kim for years both as friend and teacher. She a phenomenal teacher, friend and person. Her dedication to her students is shown in her willingness to help each one of her students meet academic and personal growth. Kim is an overall great person and her commitment and dedication to teaching hasn’t changed in her 27 years of teaching. She is very deserving of this award.

Addi Posted 5 months ago

My mom is an amazing mother and a great teacher who works hard every day to help her students succeed. She cares deeply about her classroom and always puts her students first, making sure they feel supported and encouraged. She spends extra time planning lessons and helping students when they need it, even outside of school hours. My mom is the most caring person you will ever meet and really truly deserves this recognition!

Missey Adkins Posted 5 months ago

A teacher that loves your little one as if he was her own. She went out of her way to learn about what caused my son’s seizure and was constantly learning more to make Lucas successful in the classroom. She established trust with every parent and student making you feel that your child is a fan favorite! The kid you supported of mine is almost 20 years old and will be graduating from college. Your work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated in a school you have been showing up for day in and day out for 15 years. I’m truly honored for you sharing the day with my child, I truly felt he was in the safest hands when you were his first grade teacher.

Kaden Briggs Posted 5 months ago

Way to go mom!

Julie Clark Posted 5 months ago

Yay! So excited for Mrs Briggs’ nomination! She is an amazing teacher and friend! I had the best time teaching with her and learned so much from her! Congratulations!

Aleah Smith Posted 5 months ago

My daughter Kaliyah loves being in Mrs Briggs class. She is a great teacher and is passionate about her students! Well deserved