LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Olga Shatalova was nominated anonymously.

Creating a positive classroom environment starts with relationship-building, which Ms. Shatalova believes is essential to student learning, engagement, classroom management, and overall well-being. From day one, she focuses on getting to know her students as individuals. She learns every student's name quickly and uses surveys to gather information about their interests, learning needs, family life, jobs, and even pets. She uses this information intentionally throughout the year to personalize interactions and instruction, making students feel seen and valued.

Her classroom culture is centered around student connection and engagement. She incorporates student-centered routines and activities like "Superstar of the Week," custom name tags featuring favorite foods or TV shows, and daily writing prompts that encourage students to share about their hobbies, weekend activities, or dreams. These moments create daily opportunities for students to express themselves and connect with others.

She also builds community through collaborative fun, including competitions (like dance-offs), team-based games, and shoutouts for class accomplishments. She makes time to attend student performances and games outside of school, which strengthens their relationships and shows that she cares about them beyond academics. Positive reinforcement is part of her school's everyday culture.

She regularly writes short praise cards or sends positive emails home, celebrating both small wins and significant milestones. She also encourages peer recognition by giving students space to praise each other in meaningful, specific ways. All of these strategies work together to foster trust, increase motivation, and build a classroom that feels safe, joyful, and inclusive. In this kind of environment, students are more open to taking academic risks, supporting one another, and truly thriving.

One of the most pressing needs in her classroom is enhancing the physical and emotional environment to support student well-being and engagement better. As a German teacher in Montana, she sees firsthand how long, cold winters can take a toll on students' moods, energy, and motivation. One simple, impactful way to address this is by incorporating more plants into the classroom space.

Last year, she brought in several plants from home, and the transformation was remarkable. The classroom became a warm, inviting, and calming space. Students repeatedly commented on how much they appreciated the greenery—it helped them feel more relaxed and focused during class. With a large, sunny window wall and a bright windowsill, her room is ideally suited for supporting plant life. The success of last year's small-scale effort has inspired her to expand this initiative. As a member of the School Improvement Committee, she sees how even small changes to our learning spaces can support this mission in meaningful ways.

Previous Career Accomplishments:

• Transformed German programs at two Billings high schools, growing enrollment by over 40% and building a full-time German program at Skyview High School.
• Led Billings Public Schools to national recognition as an AATG German Center of Excellence in 2021.
• Achieved exceptional student success on the AATG National German Exam: four consecutive years of national Study Trip Award winners.
• Secured multiple grants and external funding to enhance instruction, support field trips, and build cultural programming.
• Presented professional development sessions at local and state conferences on classroom technology, engagement, and German pedagogy.
• Organized statewide immersion weekends and mentorship programs as President of the AATG Montana Chapter, strengthening the German teacher network and supporting professional growth.
• Collaborated with local universities and the Goethe-Institute to expand language learning opportunities, including the GEM initiative.
• Promoted German language and culture through German Club events, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community outreach.