LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Maria Shiffer was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Shiffer welcomes students (Kindergarten through grade 5) into her computer classroom. It is cheerfully decorated, and materials are easily accessible to all students, including children with physical and developmental disabilities. She gets to know all students by name within the first few weeks of school, and they work on building a positive relationship with each one. She believes that all students can learn and grow, which she conveys in the form of positive feedback, communication, and engaging lessons that empower them as young scholars. Her classroom reflects her love of non-fiction books centered around STEM, nature, and everyday phenomena. The school is an AVID Showcase School and she promotes college and career readiness via lessons, college promotional decor, and sharing her experiences with higher education. She invites students to share their personal interests and conversations related to secondary education and career interests.