Andrew Duncan
Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: Lorne Street Elementary School
School District: Los Angeles Unified School District
City, State: Lake Balboa, CA
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Andrew Duncan was nominated by his principal, Lisa Elan.
Mr. Duncan has been a teacher for 14 years, spending nine of those years in Los Angeles Unified School District. This is Mr. Duncan's second year at Lorne. In this short time, he has instituted a weekly newscast that is aired every Monday to all students during SEL (social-emotional learning) time. The newscast is entirely written, performed, and recorded by students in grades 3-5 who sign up to be in the Lorne Scoop after-school enrichment club.
Students love seeing their peers in the weekly broadcast, which includes staff interviews, cafeteria menus, weather reports, and special events going on each week. Mr. Duncan offers a variety of modalities to help students excel and demonstrate their learning. He integrates curriculum throughout the genres so that students experience learning holistically. An example of this is when students read "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." Students then worked in groups to build a bridge out of recyclable materials to scare away the troll. Next, his students demonstrated their learning by writing, performing, and recording their group solution. Students shared their videos with classmates and families.
In addition, Mr. Duncan's class is a model for any educator looking at how to implement a center-based, student-focused, differentiated classroom successfully. His classroom literally hums when you walk in and see four groups simultaneously working on different things, with all students engaged. He often manages this without the support of a TA (teaching assistant).
"Mr. Duncan is truly an asset to Lorne. The students thrive under his warm, fun, and engaging classroom. He is a teacher for whom we all can learn the nexus between learning, fun, and student-centered experiences," said Elan.
As Mr. Duncan's former student, I can attest that his heart and hard work in the classroom is undeniable.
Andrew Duncan is very passionate about teaching his students and helping them become better students and productive adults. He is always coming up with innovative ways to help his students succeed and he makes sure they have what they need in the classroom. He is an exceptional man, not only in the classroom but outside of it as well. Best of luck, you deserve this!
Working alongside Mr. Duncan is truly an honor. He is the kind of educator who inspires not only his students but everyone around him. His compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication shine through in everything he does, whether he’s guiding his students with care, supporting our team with thoughtful leadership, or spreading positivity throughout our grade level. Mr. Duncan is always ready to lend a helping hand, share a creative idea, or simply remind us all why we chose this profession in the first place, to make a difference. His passion for teaching and his heart for his students truly make him a life changer in every sense. It’s an absolute joy to work with someone who leads with kindness, lifts others up, and pours so much love into his work every single day. Congratulations, Mr. Duncan! This recognition is so well-deserved!
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Duncan in the same grade level. He was the the type of colleague that you felt comfortable reaching out to for help. He shared his knowledge and ideas with others in order to make the school a better place for students. He was an amazing person to work with. His willingness to support and uplift his school community not only made him a great teacher but a great human being.
My child is fortunate enough to have been in Mr.Duncans 1st grade and now 2nd grade class. Mr. Duncan truly , wholeheartedly makes my child feel seen and listened to. Any concerns we’ve ever had gets immediately address with compassion, understanding, and action. I also feel so fortunate to feel like my child is safe in their care. One last bit, I can never express my gratitude enough to Mr. Duncan for is sharing his love of reading with my child. They love books and that’s truly a gift in life. Mr. Duncan is the kind of teacher any parent wishes their kid to have. I’m grateful.
Mr. Duncan is a truly inspiring individual. His exceptional teaching style combines creativity with a personal touch, ensuring that every student receives his full attention. I sincerely hope Mr. Duncan is chosen for this award—he is genuinely deserving of this recognition.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Andrew Duncan for more than 20 years, and I’ve also had the privilege of working with him. He is a dedicated and passionate teacher, and you can truly see how much he loves what he does. Because of his influence, I became a teacher as well. Andrew is the type of educator who inspires everyone around him to grow and do their best.
Andrew Duncan is one of the most passionate educators I have had the pleasure to know. When he speaks about a students, he speaks about them with care, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to see them better themselves and reach their own potential. Andrew is the kind of educator that selflessly works well into the day to find the best ways to help his students succeed and grow.
Any student that walks into Mr. Duncan‘s class is automatically better off, because Mr. Duncan will do everything in his power to make sure that student feels seen, heard, and appreciated. He takes time to get to know his students and really understand their needs and their goals and aspirations. With that, he designs lessons to spark the curiosity, interests, and fascinations of his kids. Mr. Duncan is known for having rigorous expectations for his students and also for giving them the support and scaffolding they need to reach those high expectations. Mr. Duncan is a teacher that produces critically thinking, socially aware, and caring young people. Any school with Mr. Duncan on its staff is lucky to have him, and any student in his classroom will undoubtedly reach new heights, both academically and socially. He is truly a life changer.
Mr Duncan is truly one of the most passionate educators I know. He’s an incredible teacher who pours his heart into everything he does. His passion for helping students grow is unmatched. He spends countless hours making sure every child feels seen, supported, and capable of success. The care and dedication he brings to his classroom genuinely make a lasting difference in the lives of his students and their families.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr.Duncan at Lorne elementary. Having him there has been amazing he always greets me very cheerfully and I feel welcomed instantly. He’s funny and will always listen if you need someone to talk to. I have heard nothing but positive things about his teaching and have had parents ask me how to get students into his class. He definitely deserves this and I am happy he joined us at Lorne.
Mr. Duncan taught our son last year for first grade. When we learned Mr. Duncan was moving to second grade this year, we immediately wanted to know who to bribe to make sure our son was placed in his class. (We ended up getting lucky, so thankfully, our ethics remain intact.)
Mr. Duncan radiates positivity and the kids absolutely adore him. He sends a message to parents after every school day with lesson updates, homework announcements, and congratulations to students who improved in reading. Whenever one of his students reaches a major milestone in math, Mr. Duncan films a pump up video for them (accompanied by Rocky montage music) in which all the other students cheer, followed by a faux sports press conference. These videos are entertaining enough that my wife and I watch them for every student, not just ours. Last year, Mr. Duncan even challenged students to a water balloon fight after school; parents came to spectate (and provide additional water balloons as ammunition). Mr. Duncan's left arm is an absolute cannon in case you were wondering.
These are just some of the many things Mr. Duncan does that go above and beyond teaching. Most importantly, he meets students where they are and individualizes his expectations and lessons. I can't imagine a better instructor or mentor for students this age. That's why I sincerely hope you will recognize his exceptional work.
Also, if you're able to pull any strings, please promote him to third grade next year and assign our son to his class. We will make it worth your while.
My daughter who is in grade 4 is participating in Eagle Scoop, the weekly news, led by Mr. Duncan. She always raves about how creative, supportive and fun Mr. Duncan is. He boosts their confidence and bring out their best personality. I had the opportunity to meet him once and I instantly could tell how hard-working and a fun personality he is. I wish that more and more kids will have the opportunity to learn from him. Mr. Duncan is truly an inspiring teacher and friend for us.
I had the pleasure of supervising Mr. Andrew Duncan for over 5 years in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, and during that time I consistently heard from his students about how much they enjoyed his classes. Long before the pandemic, he was integrating technology in creative ways—using tools like Robotics, Google Slides, flight simulators, and web-based learning/assessment apps to make learning engaging and interactive. What stood out most, though, was how students described him as someone who not only made learning fun, but who helped them become better students and better people. Mr. Duncan maintained high expectations for his students, all while wrapping those expectations in exciting, high-interest activities that leveraged multimedia and cutting-edge technology. His passion for teaching and his care for his students were always evident. Mr. Duncan also received raving reviews from parents and colleagues alike—one colleague, Ms. Coats, even encouraged the whole grade level to follow his lead and embrace his creativity and ingenuity and approach to social emotional learning. He’s truly one of those teachers who makes a lasting impact on everyone around him!
Mr. Andrew Duncan is one of the most dedicated and inspiring educators I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. He goes above and beyond every single day to ensure that all of his students—no matter their starting point—feel supported, challenged, and capable of success. His ability to reach students of all levels and help them grow academically and personally is truly remarkable.
Mr. Duncan creates a classroom environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and motivated to do their best. He uses innovative strategies to make learning engaging and meaningful, and he never gives up on a student. It’s no surprise that so many of his students make tremendous academic gains under his guidance.
Beyond his exceptional teaching, Mr. Duncan is deeply involved in his school community. He has been instrumental in leading the Robotics Program, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. He’s always willing to step up, whether it’s mentoring new teachers, helping organize events, or finding ways to inspire curiosity and creativity campus-wide.
There are many great teachers, but few who make as profound an impact as Mr. Duncan. His passion for education, his tireless work ethic, and his genuine care for his students make him more than deserving of this recognition. Andrew Duncan exemplifies everything that makes a teacher extraordinary—commitment, compassion, innovation, and heart. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and his dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of students and colleagues alike. There’s truly no one more deserving of this honor!
Mr. Duncan truly deserves to be recognized as a Life Changer. He’s not only an amazing teacher but also an extraordinary human being who genuinely cares about his students and everyone around him. His kindness, patience, and dedication go far beyond the classroom. He inspires others to believe in themselves, to work hard, and to lead with compassion. Every student he’s taught carries a piece of his wisdom and encouragement with them. Thank you, Mr. Duncan, for making such a positive difference — you truly are a life changer!
It’s so wonderful to see Mr. Duncan recognized with a Lifechanger of the Year nomination! As both a parent and PTA board member, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible impact he’s made on our school community. Even before joining our campus, his reputation for positivity and passion preceded him—and he’s exceeded every expectation since day one!
Mr. Duncan launched The Eagle Scoop, a journalism enrichment program for grades 3–5, where students produce weekly news segments complete with weather, interviews, and event coverage. He blends technology, creativity, and education seamlessly, inspiring confidence and pride in every child he teaches.
My daughter is thrilled to be part of The Eagle Scoop team this year, and I’ve already seen such amazing growth thanks to his encouragement and guidance. Mr. Duncan’s enthusiasm is contagious—he celebrates every student, fosters teamwork, and creates a classroom where all children feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.
Teachers like Mr. Duncan truly change the way students see school—for the better. We’re so lucky to have him leading with such creativity, compassion, and heart.
As a kindergarten teacher at Lorne Elementary, I have the privilege of working alongside Mr. Duncan and am continually inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm he brings to our school. I often hear his excitement as he plans engaging lessons, such as his students’ ‘Living Fables’ showcase, and building bridges to protect the “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” I’ve seen firsthand the collaboration and joy he fosters through our weekly Eagle Scoop broadcast. Even without having observed him in the classroom directly, it’s clear from his thoughtful planning, his energy, and the admiration of students and families that he creates a truly dynamic and supportive learning environment. Mr. Duncan’s passion for teaching and his dedication to helping students grow both academically and personally enrich our entire school community. We are so fortunate to have him as a colleague and role model.
Congratulations on the nomination. Andy has been helping disadvantage children for a long time. Before he ever became a teacher, he went off to South Korea to help small children learn English. And the crazy thing is he did not speak Korean. Once he got his teaching degree he was off to central LA and now Northridge. His goal of becoming a teacher was to make a difference in a childs life and it sounds like he is doing just that. When Andy talks about his students or one of the projects he is working on, his face lights up. You can truly see how much he cares for his students. I cannot think of a better person to be nominated for this award. We are very proud of you.
I have had the privilege of working alongside and being friends with Mr. Duncan for eight years now. I can honestly say he is one of the most dedicated and inspiring educators I've ever met. He consistently goes above and beyond for his students, creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to learn. Beyond that, he's a generous teammate-always ready to share ideas, lend a hand, or bring positive energy to any challenge. He pours his heart into everything he does for his students and the school community. His passion for teaching is contagious! He makes learning meaningful and fun, holding high expectations for his students and encouraging them as they rise to meet them. This nomination is so well-deserved and I know his students, both former and current, would agree wholeheartedly! So incredibly proud to call Mr. Duncan a colleague and a friend!
It is incredibly validating to see Mr. Duncan be nominated for Lifechanger of the Year. I am an active member of the school community as a parent and PTA board member and am privileged to get to know the staff of our school on both personal and professional levels. After witnessing Mr. Duncan's seamless integration into our school last year, my son is now in Mr. Duncan's second grade class. There is no better place for him this year than under the caring, diligent, encouraging eye of such an exemplary educator.
Mr. Duncan holds exceptionally high standards for his students and works diligently to make sure they reach certain benchmarks. He uses a rewards system that both celebrates and encourages students as they reach each specific goal and encourages all students in class, as well as their families, to celebrate them across the board. The students understand what is expected of them and, under Mr. Duncan's positive reinforcement, strive to reach each and every goal. And they do! On paper, it is very clear how effective his strategies are in pulling each student up to their potential and beyond. Students thrive academically and their test scores show it. But even more importantly, Mr. Duncan's high energy and constant positivity just radiate throughout his classroom. Students are accepted in all ways, celebrated for their uniqueness, and given the huge opportunity to thrive as they are.
Mr. Duncan is a wonderful role model of a teacher who brings an incredibly important, unique, and creative point of view to teaching. Teachers like him can fundamentally change a student's perspective on school for the better and we are so lucky to have him here making his impact on our children.
My daughter Kamilla comes home home talking so highly of Mr. Duncan. He’s such a patient, compassionate teacher. Your appreciation in all you do for our children is appreciated.
I’ve known Mr. Duncan for many years, and I have had the pleasure of seeing him grow into such an exceptional young man.
It’s clear to me that teaching isn’t just what he does, it’s who he IS.
His principal couldn’t share enough about the incredible work he’s doing. She shared how he goes above and beyond every single day, not because anyone asks him to, but because that’s simply who his is.
What stands out most is how deeply he cares about his students as whole people, celebrating their successes, supporting their challenges, and nurturing their minds as well as their hearts.
Mr. Duncan is one of those rare teachers who is making a lifelong impact. And from what I understand, his classroom is a place of encouragement, curiosity, and joy, and everyone who knows him can see that he’s right where he’s meant to be.
I’ve known Mr. Duncan for the past eight years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most passionate and dedicated educators I’ve ever met. With 14 years of teaching experience, he brings an incredible amount of creativity and heart to his classroom. What stands out most to me is how much he genuinely loves teaching and how deeply he cares about his students’ growth—not just academically, but personally.
Mr. Duncan has a gift for making learning exciting and meaningful. His lessons are always engaging and often include hands-on projects that allow students to express themselves in unique ways. I remember him teaching about pollinators by having students create hand puppets and present what they learned. It was such a fun and artistic way to reinforce the material. When he taught fables, he had students perform “living fables” for other classes, turning literature into a shared experience. And when reading a story about goats crossing a bridge, he challenged his students to build their own bridges using unconventional materials—encouraging both creativity and problem-solving.
His approach to history is just as dynamic. He once organized a “living museum” where students embodied historical figures and shared their stories. It’s clear that Mr. Duncan believes in learning by doing, and his students thrive because of it.
Beyond the classroom, he’s just as involved. He’s participated in afterschool clubs like robotics, and more recently, he started a weekly student-led newscast that features everything from weather reports to staff interviews.
Mr. Duncan creates a classroom environment that is warm, inclusive, and full of joy. His students feel safe to take risks, be themselves, and explore their potential. He’s a teacher who truly understands the balance between academic rigor and student-centered fun. Watching his students grow throughout the year is something he takes great pride in—and it’s easy to see why. He’s not just teaching; he’s inspiring.
