LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Shannon Pohlabel was nominated anonymously.

In Ms. Pohlabel's classroom of second graders, she creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment by valuing each child and their needs. She teaches in a low-income district, and the needs of students vary. She emphasizes a classroom where students interact like a family. They listen to each other in a nonjudgemental way, show respect to one another, and demonstrate care and concern with each other by interacting positively with words and actions. She models these traits all throughout the year. She believes the best way for students to achieve these traits is to work collaboratively in groups where their voices are heard and respected.