Casidy Thomas was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Thomas believes a positive classroom environment is established through physical, mental, and emotional means. First, a positive classroom environment begins with the teacher. Some classrooms may not have the fanciest decorations or the nicest of whiteboards for visual appeal. However, the teacher themselves has the power to overcome these limitations by engaging fully with their curriculum, as well as their strong classroom management, to make the content interesting and exciting- regardless of the supplies available.
Secondly, a positive classroom environment can occur with the help of the students. As a teacher, she strives to make learning fun, even if it means looking a little silly. By doing so, she invites the students to join in on the fun, which truly helps the classroom be a positive and safe place for everyone to learn.
Lastly, the physical aspects of the classroom can subtly contribute to a positive atmosphere. Of course, the physical is not always necessary, but it can still have a quiet impact on the students. For example, in her classroom, she has a sign for students called "Note To Self." It reminds students that it's okay to make mistakes, to love themselves, and to know she is always there to support them.
At the end of the year, some students left notes or approached her to express their appreciation for something they liked about her class. One student specifically mentioned that sign and shared that although they were nervous to start the class, that sign was a constant reminder to keep working hard and to have fun with the learning. Those small decorations, which only took minutes to hang, helped students know that they were in a safe place to learn and grow. They were safe with her.
Casidy is a great teacher! This is her 2nd year and the improvement from last year to now is exponential. She does more than teach students, she provides an environment that helps students feel cared about and seen. I am incredibly proud of my colleague Casidy for her nomination for the Life Changer Award. As an English educator and someone I’ve had the privilege to mentor, she brings compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her students every single day. Her ability to connect with learners and inspire them to grow is truly exceptional. This recognition is more than well-deserved, and I’m grateful to work alongside someone who continually reminds all of us what meaningful teaching looks like. Congratulations, Casidy—you truly are a life changer.
Where to start, Casidy is someone who I routinely say is one of the best people I have ever met in my life. This is non-negotiable. Every day I see that she gives her everything, and then somehow I see her give even more the following day. She is kind and understanding, someone who you can rely upon when you need a task done, and frankly just a joy to be around. She does her best to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe, which is reflected in students willing to come to her when they have down time throughout the day. Words alone are not sufficient to describe the individual that Casidy is. Her students are lucky to have her, and those who know her are lucky as well!
Inside the classroom, Ms. Thomas spends the one-on-one time each of her students needs in order to be academically successfully. And outside the classroom, Ms. Thomas supports her students by attending as many of their extracurricular activities as she can. In my opinion, you won't find a a teacher more dedicated to their students than Ms. Thomas.
Casidy, cares about others more than herself. She always gives 100% She is strong but can relate to anyone who struggles. Kindness pushes her to make students and those better.
She is not only a team player but an integral part of the school climate as she welcomes all staff and students with a smile and eagerness to share her knowledge. Casidy goes the extra mile by staying late to assist students, working in clubs, and always helps to promote a positive learning environment.
Changing lives one person at a time with her humor and catchy lessons to keep everyone engaged each day.
I have known Casidy since she was in college, and she is one of the kindest and most patient people that I know. Now that we work together, she is someone I trust to be a positive influence on everyone she meets, and handle a LOT of stressful situations (usually all at once) while keeping her cool. We work around kids of many ages, and she is able to keep lots of them entertained while maintaining order and holding attention. Whether or not she receives this award, I know she deserves it multiple times over for her commitment to making everything she does fun, and being a good influence for everyone she meets. I am grateful to have you as a friend and a coworker.
Thank you, Cas!
Casidy is an extremely kind person, who knows how to work with kids. And she changed my life for the better!
Casidy is such a light, she brings positivity to every room she walks into and I love working with her in all aspects of theater, as our prop master or acting with her on stage. She is a wonderful person who deserves this so much!
Casidy is an amazing teacher! She is always willing to help others and has truly helped me grow as a person. She is truly deserving of this honor!
Great person and teacher 10/10 would recommend
Keep doing great things in the classroom!
Casidy is such a natural leader and a genuinely wonderful person. She radiates positivity and makes everyone around her feel welcome and valued. She leads with kindness, humor, and authenticity—qualities that inspire people to bring their best selves forward. Her energy and integrity make her someone everyone loves to work with and look up to!
Casidy is an innovative teacher who walks in every day with a smile and positive attitude. She inspires her students with creative and engaging lessons while making each one of them feel welcome and important.
I work alongside Casidy and she puts 110% into everything she does - with a positive attitude! She is dependable and a team player. She is a light to our building!
Casidy is a great teacher! I was also fortunate to have her as a student.
Keep Smiling!!!! Smiling = Positivity
Cassidy is one of the hardest working and most dedicated teachers here at the school. She is one of the 1st ones here and the last to leave. Her students come first and the students feel safe and comfortable to learn.
Phenomenal teacher and person.
Casidy Thomas truly deserves the National Life Changer of the Year Award because of her exceptional dedication to her students and the entire school community. She builds strong, genuine connections with her students, making each one feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Casidy goes above and beyond in her teaching, and does so by crafting engaging lessons, staying attentive to each student’s needs, and always striving to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Beyond the classroom, she is constantly stepping up to help wherever she’s needed, whether it's organizing school events or lending a hand with extra responsibilities. Her passion, kindness, and commitment make a lasting impact every single day!
Truly dedicated to her students.
Casidy is such a great person. She is nothing short of inspiring and I wish nothing but the best for her :)
You can truly see the passion Casidy has for teaching and her students. She makes everybody feel so included and safe. She’s so helpful and kind that no question ever feels too silly to ask. Everyone deserves to have a teacher like her!
Casidy is a lovely brilliant woman with an inspiring work ethic. She’s positive, creative, and very team oriented. Casidy will help anyone who asks her for assistance without a second thought and looks for solutions to any thing that needs solving. She is the best person to have on your team and on your side.
I love you queen! You deserve this!
An amazing teacher and a sweet person overall!!
I love Casidy so much, she is always so supportive, talented, confident, caring, and helpful. She makes every room she walks in brighter. :)
Casidy is friendly, responsible, approachable, and an outstanding leader!
Casidy is such an incredible leader and an extremely hard worker!
Casidy is a wonderful person, who loved teaching and her students.
Casidy tells so many fun jokes and keeps me entertained on headset backstage at rehearsals and shows. She is always happy to help and makes sure we understand every single direction.
Casidy is amazing! She’s such a big inspiration for me, she’s so responsible and kind.
She smells very nice! also very funny and patient.
She’s the best! She changed my life!
Casidy has been a huge mentor to me and she’s like a big sister to me she’s always happy to help and shes the strongest person I know
Awesome Job! So proud of you lady!
I am so proud of you.
You are deserving of this honor. You pour your heart and soul into your work and into those kids.
