LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kashika (Daniel) Butler was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Butler creates a positive classroom environment by meeting her students exactly where they are and building meaningful relationships with each and every one of them. From the moment they walk into the classroom, she wants them to feel heard, welcomed, safe, and valued. Ms. Butler does not just see the students as learners, but as family. Even after they move on to the next grade, Ms. Butler wants them to know they will always have someone cheering them on.

At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Butler establishes clear expectations centered around kindness, respect, responsibility, and respecting one another's personal space. She believes students thrive when they know what is expected of them while also feeling supported. She loves incorporating creative, hands on learning experiences that keep students engaged and excited about learning. Ms. Butler celebrates every success, big or small, because those moments build confidence and encourage students to keep trying. She also uses positive reinforcement to recognize effort, growth, and perseverance.

One of Ms. Butler's favorite parts of the classes daily routine is an activity called *Social Wisdom*. Before beginning instruction, the class spends time discussing real world skills and situations that students may face. They have meaningful conversations about topics like bullying, disagreements, empathy, making good choices, and how to treat others with respect. These discussions help the students build social emotional skills that are just as important as academic skills.

She also believes that the students' voices matter. After activities or lessons, she asks for their feedback by asking questions like, "What did you enjoy about this activity?" "What could we do differently next time?" or "How could I make this lesson even better?" Giving students a voice helps create a classroom where they feel respected and invested in their learning.

Above all, Ms. Butler approaches every student with patience, understanding, and grace. Students often carry burdens that one may never know about, so she strive to make the classroom a place where they can simply be kids, enjoy learning, and feel loved and supported every day. Before the students leave each afternoon, the class ends the day with a saying that has become a classroom tradition: "Have a good day, but even if you can't, don't you dare go messing up somebody else's day. Ya hear?" It always brings a smile, but it also reminds the students that they have the power to choose kindness, even on difficult days.