LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Creating a positive classroom environment starts with building strong relationships and making every child feel safe, valued, and capable of learning. After 14 years of teaching kindergarten and first grade in a Title I school, Ms. Laycox has learned that students do their best when they know they are cared for, respected, and have consistent routines they can rely on.

Ms. Laycox establishes clear expectations from the first day of school and teaches them explicitly through modeling, practice, and positive reinforcement. She celebrates student effort and growth, not just correct answers, to help build confidence and encourage a growth mindset. She also incorporates classroom community activities, partner work, and social-emotional learning to help students build positive relationships with one another.

With a master's degree in English Language Acquisition, Ms. Laycox intentionally creates an inclusive environment where multilingual learners feel welcomed and supported. She uses visuals, sentence stems, cooperative learning, and opportunities for students to use their home languages as strengths while developing English proficiency. Ms. Laycox believes every student deserves access to rigorous instruction, regardless of their language background.

Family partnerships are another important part of creating a positive classroom culture. Ms. Laycox communicates regularly with families, celebrates student successes, and works collaboratively to support each child's academic and social-emotional growth.

Above all, she strives to create a classroom where students feel a sense of belonging, take academic risks, and know that mistakes are part of learning. When students feel safe, respected, and encouraged, they are more engaged, motivated, and successful.