LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Samantha Cornette was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Cornette builds a positive and truly family-like classroom environment in a high-needs, diverse school district by making sure every kid feels safe, seen, and valued for who they are. She does this by weaving their cultures and lived experiences into the daily routine instead of just saving it for heritage months, so they always see themselves as the experts and heroes in what they're learning. She hopes to level the playing field by making sure tech, supplies, and resources are always fully accessible in the room. She co-creates her classroom expectations with students, protects their dignity with private chats when they're having a rough day, and models real, unconditional respect. She builds a community where kids actually look out for each other, no matter where they come from or what they're dealing with at home.