LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Daniell Cossey was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Cossey creates a positive classroom environment by building a space where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. As the STEM teacher, she has the unique opportunity to work with every student in the building, allowing her to create a learning environment where students can explore, collaborate, and discover their strengths. In STEM, she focuses on progress over perfection. She encourages her students to take risks, ask questions, try new ideas, and stretch their thinking. She views mistakes as part of the learning process and opportunities to grow. She helps students embrace the power of “yet”—they learn that they may not be able to do something yet, but with persistence, practice, and problem-solving, they can continue to improve. She celebrates student successes, both big and small, and helps students recognize their own growth. Her goal is for every student to leave STEM knowing they are capable, creative, and prepared to continue growing into their future.