LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Corinne Reece was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Reece believes creating a positive classroom environment begins with making every student feel seen, valued, and safe from the moment they walk through the door. She believes that students learn best when they know they belong. At the beginning of the year, she and her students work together to create classroom expectations built on kindness, respect, and responsibility. She uses morning meetings and community-building activities to help students get to know one another, develop empathy, and build a classroom culture where everyone feels comfortable taking risks and asking questions.

She also recognizes that every student learns differently. She provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences, offers choices whenever possible, and celebrates progress instead of perfection. Positive reinforcement, meaningful feedback, and opportunities for student voice help build confidence and encourage a growth mindset. Her goal is for every child to leave her classroom believing they are capable, important, and supported. When students feel connected to their teacher and classmates, they are more willing to challenge themselves, collaborate with others, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

This year is an exciting milestone for Ms. Reece and her students. As she begins her second year as a classroom teacher, she will be looping up with her students into 6th grade in a new school. Her goal is to create a space where every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and excited to learn each day.