LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lisa Harris was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Harris creates a positive classroom environment by ensuring all students feel welcomed. Learning cannot happen if students do not feel welcomed and comfortable. Each morning, she and her students take time for a greeting, a "share opportunity," and a fun, short activity. This allows students to warm up and realize that her classroom is an equal space where all voices are welcome. She strives to ensure her students recognize that their mistakes do not define them. She tries to show students that she makes mistakes, too. Mistakes allow students to learn and grow. She never wants a student to feel embarrassed or sad because of something they did.

Ms. Harris thinks it is also important for students to apologize to each other and have tough conversations when they hurt a friend. Many times, students are impacted by things happening outside of school, so she makes sure that when they come to school, they can relax. She likes to observe students to gauge when something is wrong. She also checks in through conversation. She knows a lot about her students, and by having these relationships, the students typically tell her what's going on. She is then able to take action and is a "mom" figure for them at school. She is there to care for them and teach them. Overall, she tries to create a space where students feel welcomed. Creating a sense of belonging has allowed for positivity to flow through her classroom.