LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nicole Landry was nominated by her colleague and mother, Brenda Keney.

Mrs. Landry is not only an amazing educator, but someone who positively impacts every life she touches. She truly cares for the entire child/family while spreading love in all directions. She is married to her husband, Michael, and has a son, Parker.

Mrs. Landry has put on many hats during her career in education. She has worked in every school in her district, from elementary to high school. Administrators seek her out to work with their students because of her flexibility, positivity, natural ability to “reach” the children, and ability to work with all students. She started off working in a school with children with autism. Then, she went to a parochial school and settled in her home town where she was raised. She has said it "feels like family in my own home town.” She loves going to community events and seeing “her” children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she taught Chinese students how to speak English online! They both learned a lot from one another. This year, Mrs. Landry was asked to teach third grade special education, and she happily accepted the position.

Mrs. Landry has proven her ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of many students. She has been known to help students pass/graduate by providing free tutoring at her house on weekends and during the summer. Some of these struggling students are not in her class, but because of her huge heart and reputation, they seek her out. She gives her students the confidence they need to succeed.

Because of the low socioeconomic district Mrs. Landry teaches in, she has secretly paid for years of school lunches, prom dresses, tuxedos, sports, and graduation expenses. Mrs. Landry believes that every child should be given the experiences her own child has. Every year, she gives a scholarship to a graduating senior who may not otherwise receive one, but has worked very hard, has shown integrity, and is deserving of having a chance to better their life.

She has such a wonderful connection with all students. They come to her with personal issues, and she lovingly directs them to the people they need to get in touch with at the time. Unfortunately, students have had to come to her so she and her husband can “carry” them into the funeral parlor of a high school friend of theirs that passed away. She does all of this with her husband and son’s blessings for children who are less fortunate than them.

Mrs. Landry has always created a positive school atmosphere. It's why many students and parents return to her long after they have graduated, usually to give her a hug and thank her for all she has done for them, both academically and social-emotionally. She's committed to producing a loving and nurturing atmosphere with all students! Walk into any school in the district, or ask a parent or administrator about Mrs. Landry, and they will know who she is and what she believes in.

Mrs. Landry is known to take leadership within her school district. She is a leader in professional development and data. She knows that data drives her instruction, and she's willing to share with her colleagues what she has done to improve scores and take ownership of mistakes. Mrs. Landry has willingly met with parents at the public library to help them with programs that have been implemented, but weren't necessarily well-received. After speaking with Mrs. Landry, the parents and students are “on board” with trying something new. She has already proven herself in the community to be a caring and loving person who has the interest of the students at heart. Therefore, students and parents are willing to listen to what she has to say.

Mrs. Landry has a record of excellent performance at the professional level, and it leads to creating a collaborative team of teachers and a community of learners. She knows how to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all students. She has always had positive two-way communication with parents and students. Mrs. Landry had a student with Down syndrome take “flat-Stanley” with him on an educational vacation. She incorporated his vacation into her class. It was awesome, and all the students learned from one another!

Everything Mrs. Landry does is done with high morals and ethical standards. If you walk by Mrs. Landry’s room, you will see students conversing with one another and engaged in learning. When students leave her class for the day, her parting words will be, “Remember to be a kind human and make a difference today!”

"Mrs. Landry has made unwavering efforts and is a great listener. Because of her caring attitude, her students know that they can positively change the world, one step at a time," said Keney.