LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Parra was nominated by Monica Salcedo, the parent of a student.

Mrs. Parra is a very special teacher. She always goes the extra mile to make sure her students are engaged, motivated, and feel loved. She tells the students they are like a family in the classroom, and she uses a lot of creative ways to get them involved.

During end-of-year testing, which was happening at the time of her nomination, she asked parents to write a small note for their children so she could hand it to them on their test date as a way to motivate them.

"Our daughter loves going to school. She feels welcomed and challenged in such a powerful way. Her reading has gotten so much better," said Salcedo. "Mrs. Parra has independent reading and creates reading groups so the children can read to each other and talk about it. In all subjects, she remembers what it's like to be a child and provides them with a very safe and educational environment. Her classroom is decorated very nicely, as well! We just love her and will miss her tons next year!"