LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rachel Hammock was nominated anonymously.

A positive classroom starts with relationships. Before students can fully learn, they need to know they are safe, valued, and genuinely cared for. Ms. Hammock makes it a priority to get to know each child as an individual—their interests, strengths, challenges, and what makes them feel successful. When students know they belong, they are more willing to try new things, ask questions, and grow from their mistakes.

Ms. Hammock works hard to create a classroom where kindness, respect, and encouragement are part of our daily routine. She and her students celebrate both big accomplishments and small victories that show growth. She believes learning should be engaging and meaningful, so she incorporates hands-on activities, movement, collaboration, and opportunities for students to learn from one another while building confidence.

Strong communication with families is also an important part of creating a positive classroom environment. Ms. Hammock wants parents to know they are a team working toward the same goal—helping their child succeed both academically and personally. By creating a welcoming classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, Ms. Hammock hopes to give her students a strong educational foundation and the confidence to believe in themselves long after they leave her classroom.