LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brittany Siegel was nominated by her colleague, Jennifer Blume.

Ms. Siegel is a third-grade math and science teacher who works alongside Blume as her partner teacher. She is an easy-going spark of sunshine around an ever changing school environment. Having been a new teacher to Crosspointe Elementary, Blume casually met Ms. Siegel and quickly became friends. She became a resource who Blume could talk to about norms and count on for anything. 

"Working with her this year, I learned first-hand that she is more than just an approachable teacher for both staff and students alike," Blume said. "Aside from fully embracing flexible seating in her classroom, she has also tapped into mindful teaching without all the hoopla. The first day at recess, she took her homeroom class to the field, and they all sat in a circle while the rest of the third grade students ran amuck. She did this again and again until her 'pineapples,' as I call them, settled into the routine of third grade and began to respect each other on the playground."

Ms. Siegel is great with all her students, but she has been the most influential for students with behavioral issues. Despite being such a petite teacher, students respect and listen to her. She is a natural leader who puts students at ease with her calming demeanor. She creates a safe and engaging classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.

"My homeroom, aptly named the 'avocados,' proved a tougher group to gel in the beginning of the year," Blume said. "As my partner teacher, Brittany talked to me about strategies to help this group learn how to be kind to each other.  She took it into her own hands to switch with me and take the avocados for recess, where she included a good session on how to interact with each other safely and kindly."

Ms. Siegel started a compliment jar; a class routine of all students giving a circle of applause for a job well done. She also created calming devices as a way to soothe emotions and keep tempers in check throughout the classroom. These glitter-filled jars gave students a quiet area to collect themselves and re-channel their emotions.

"Thanks to her extra efforts with my avocados, I have noticed more self-control in my homeroom," Blume said. "Often times, my students will ask me why I don't do something Ms. Siegel does."

Ms. Siegel is heading the school wide positive behavior committee on the STEM Initiative and mentoring a new teacher to the district. She is also trying to start a yoga club for the Title 1 students, and spends time helping Crosspointe's intra-mural teams. Just like her determination to adopt flexible seating, she has also fully embraced math rotations to provide differentiated instruction for all her students. She leads common planning among her team, and is always willing to assist new teachers to Palm Beach County Schools.

"Between students, teachers, and administrators, it is commonly accepted that Brittany Siegel is a quiet, yet valuable resource at Crosspointe for anyone needing to talk, get assistance, or just share how their day is going," Blume said. "With the frequent changes to curriculum and insane pressure put on teachers nowadays, Brittany keeps her head up and goes with the flow; never letting these daily stresses affect her interactions with others."