LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nancy Tisor was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

For 39 years, Ms. Tisor has been loyal to students and staff as a refuge, a resource, and an advocate. As a classroom educator turned elementary counselor, Ms. Tisor's passion, dedication, and genuine joy for humankind is a legacy that has left a profound impact on many hearts across the state of North Dakota. She will be retiring from Fargo Public Schools after spending 29 of those years as an elementary school counselor.

Ms. Tisor has consistently been a leader in her school building and district; she teaches students the missing skills they need to regulate emotions and increase their success at school. She has consistently provided whole-class lessons, skills and social groups, and individual counseling and goal setting meetings. Her professionalism and keen sensitivity for students and adults have allowed her to build personal and professional relationships. These relationships provided opportunities for celebrations, honest conversations, and community resource connections for students, families, and staff. She is selfless, and always willing to give her time, training, and expertise. She maintains a focus on the individual child while encouraging and fostering district-wide evolution.

With a dedication to trauma-informed practices, Ms. Tisor has cultivated a welcoming environment for learners and their families of all cultures and socioeconomic positions. She has been dedicated to training, deliberating, and advocating for the culture of poverty. This has allowed staff to better understand students and families, improving communication, education, and connection of students within her school and across the district.

Ms. Tisor has been instrumental in teaching and promoting the integration of social-emotional learning throughout the school day. Before SEL became a school district initiative, Ms. Tisor facilitated and coached teachers on proactive circles as an opportunity to build a positive classroom community. Students report excitement and confidence when they work with her in large and small groups and individual sessions. Educational research is at the heart of her understanding of best practices in education, and she willingly collaborates and introduces strategies and skills in a desirable, approachable manner.

Educators do not do this job alone, and Ms. Tisor has recognized the importance of building strong community connections to support the whole child. She is recognized as a critical fellow in securing connections with local medical providers, faith communities, and business and community organizations. These partnerships support students with mentors, advocates, and physical and mental health providers whose aim is to increase attitudes toward school and, therefore, increase academic achievement.

"Nancy Tisor, with deep regard for moral and ethical standards, has regularly dedicated herself to improving the lives of all learners," said her nominator. "Her selfless commitment to students, their families, and her colleagues has stimulated repeated opportunities for self-reflection and personal development. We're indebted to Nancy Tisor and her passionate commitment for being a LifeChanger over nearly three decades."