LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Hannah Dandoy was nominated by a family member, Amy Ericksen.

"My sister, Hannah Dandoy, is a second-grade teacher at a Title I school in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and she is truly deserving of the National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award. As her sister, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and commitment she brings to her students, colleagues, and community every day. No matter what challenges she faces in her personal life, Hannah consistently puts her school, coworkers, students, and their families first. She inherited our parents' strong work ethic and caring hearts, and she carries those qualities with remarkable humility and grace," said Ericksen.

Ms. Dandoy is constantly searching for innovative ways to make learning engaging, memorable, hands-on, and meaningful for her students. She works tirelessly to build strong relationships with her students and their families, connections that often extend far beyond the school year. She attends church events, sporting events, powwows, Scout activities, and other community gatherings because she believes that if something is important to her students, it is important to her as well. Her students know they are valued not just as learners, but as individuals.

Her commitment to student success extends far beyond the classroom. She provides tutoring after school and on weekends at no cost to both current and former students. She sponsors two after-school clubs, Young Gentlemen and Girl Power, designed to promote academic growth while also building teamwork, confidence, leadership skills, and positive social development. To enrich these experiences, she invites high school students and teachers to mentor and work alongside the children. As part of these programs, each student is given the opportunity to choose a suit or dress to keep. Whether funded through grants or purchased with her own money, she ensures her students feel special, confident, and celebrated.

She is also passionate about creating unique learning opportunities. Ms. Dandoy regularly arranges virtual visits with authors, scientists, zoo educators, and other professionals to broaden her students' perspectives and inspire their curiosity. In addition, she hosts an after-school book club that encourages second graders to develop a love of reading while strengthening fluency, comprehension, stamina, and confidence. Although the book club is relatively new, her tutoring and enrichment programs have been making a difference in students' lives for many years.

One thing that makes Ms. Dandoy especially remarkable is her generosity. She donates plasma and often uses that extra income to purchase books, science materials, math games, holiday gifts, and other educational resources for her students. She creates meaningful keepsakes, such as decorated pillowcases, and provides materials that strengthen the connection between home and school. Her goal is always to ensure that every child feels supported, encouraged, and excited about learning.
Beyond her classroom responsibilities, she has served as a mentor, grade-level chair, and member of various academic task forces within her school district. She is passionate about helping others succeed and is always willing to share her knowledge and expertise.

Her dedication to growth does not stop when the school year ends. During the summer, she often teaches summer school, tutors students, and participates in professional development opportunities. She has been selected for numerous prestigious learning experiences, including programs at Mount Vernon, the Ron Clark Academy, Ford's Theatre, and Founding Forward's Presidential North Bus Tour. She eagerly brings back new ideas, resources, and experiences to enrich her students' learning. 

Her passion for history, science, and lifelong learning is evident in everything she does. Her students look forward to annual projects such as the 50-State Postcard Exchange and special studies celebrating Black History and Women's History. She actively builds partnerships within the community to support her school, whether through donations, volunteer involvement, or educational experiences. One example is the annual egg-drop experiment, where local firefighters assist second graders with a memorable, hands-on science activity that's eagerly anticipated by students and teachers each year.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dandoy has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named Teacher of the Year twice. Yet she never seeks recognition or attention. She does what she does because she genuinely cares about children and believes every student deserves someone who believes in them. Her impact reaches far beyond academics; she changes lives through her kindness, generosity, dedication, and unwavering belief in others.