LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Laurel Nickles was nominated anonymously.

Creating a positive classroom environment starts with building strong relationships and establishing clear expectations during the first few weeks of the school year. Ms. Nickles primarily works with students who have experienced some trauma throughout their lifetime, which makes them more likely to engage, take risks, and succeed when they feel safe, respected, and valued. She considers this, along with their interests and learning styles, when developing her classroom management plan. 

Establishing consistent routines and expectations is imperative so students know what is expected and feel secure in the classroom structure. She uses proactive behavior supports by explicitly teaching expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and addressing concerns before they escalate. Her team focuses on maintaining a calm, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels heard, accepted, and encouraged to participate using their preferred method of communication.

Differentiating instruction and providing accommodations is also a huge part of the day. Her students need to know that help is available to them so they learn to trust the staff. Her goal is to incorporate engaging, hands-on, and multisensory learning experiences that meet diverse learning styles and keep students motivated. She also works to develop and encourage a growth mindset by celebrating effort, perseverance, and progress rather than focusing solely on grades or academic outcomes.