LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Janie Treinish was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Treinish fosters a positive and dynamic classroom environment for her gifted and accelerated 5th-grade students by prioritizing strong relationships, student agency, and a shared culture of curiosity and kindness. From the very first day, she sets the tone for a supportive learning community by greeting each student by name, learning about their individual interests, and collaborating with them to establish a unique class identity, complete with a name, motto, or creed that reflects their collective values and aspirations. Ms. Treinish understands the dual needs of gifted learners: intellectual challenge and emotional support. 

She uses meaningful differentiation to keep students engaged and motivated. She implements pre-assessments to compact already-mastered content and provides enrichment through learning menus, project-based learning, and Genius Hour initiatives. Her classroom encourages depth of thought and creativity through open-ended questions, real-world problem solving, and opportunities for student choice.

Beyond academics, Ms. Treinish supports her students' social-emotional development with intentional routines. Daily reflection, mindfulness practices, and a classroom culture that normalizes productive struggle help students build resilience and confidence. She incorporates Responsive Classroom strategies to foster mutual respect, student responsibility, and inclusive classroom norms. Peer collaboration and mentoring are prioritized through rotating group roles and structured interactions that encourage diverse perspectives and teamwork.

Ms. Treinish celebrates student growth in all areas, not just academically, but also in character, perseverance, and leadership. To keep curiosity alive and learning joyful, Ms. Treinish incorporates playful and intellectually stimulating activities, such as logic puzzles, hands-on design challenges, and student-led "teach the class" sessions. Her classroom strikes a careful balance between rigor and joy, independence and connection, creating a space where gifted learners feel safe, challenged, and inspired to thrive both academically and personally.