LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nancy Salazar was nominated anonymously.

Creating a truly positive classroom environment is the absolute cornerstone of everything Ms. Salazar does. It all starts with building genuine relationships with every one of her students. When they walk through her door, she makes it a point to greet them by name, often with a personal check-in.

Ms. Salazar genuinely wants to know what makes her students tick – their favorite subjects, their weekend adventures, what makes them laugh. This isn't just a formality; it's how she builds the trust that allows them to feel safe enough to take risks in their learning. Similarly, open communication with their families is crucial. They're a team, and keeping parents informed, especially with positive notes, strengthens that partnership, ensuring a consistent support system for the child.

Beyond building individual connections, Ms. Salazar strives to foster a strong sense of community within her classroom walls. She and her students work together at the beginning of the year to establish their "classroom agreements." These aren't just rules she imposes, but norms that she and her students all agree to live by, like "We listen to understand, not just to respond." This shared ownership makes a huge difference.

When a student triumphs, whether it's mastering a tricky math concept or beautifully presenting a project, Ms. Salazar and her students celebrate it together, recognizing effort as much as outcome. She also makes a conscious effort to give her students choices – from how they want to demonstrate their learning to where they prefer to sit – because empowering them builds their confidence and investment.

In terms of instruction, she knows that one size doesn't fit all. She constantly seeks out diverse books and materials that reflect the rich backgrounds of her students, ensuring they see themselves and their experiences represented, and also gain windows into other cultures. Her lessons incorporate a mix of direct instruction, collaborative group work, and hands-on activities, because she knows some students thrive with manipulatives while others prefer to draw their understanding.

For those who need extra support or even an additional challenge, Ms. Salazar differentiates assignments so every student can access the content at their level. Crucially, social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into her classroom's daily fabric. The students have dedicated time for morning meetings where they can check in with each other emotionally, practice mindfulness exercises, or discuss strategies for handling conflict. Her "calm-down corner," with sensory tools and journals, is always available for students who need a moment to regulate their emotions. She firmly believes that students can't learn effectively if they're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.

Finally, while it might seem small, the physical setup of their room plays a part. Ms. Salazar's classroom is organized but inviting, with different seating options – from wobble stools to comfy cushions – allowing students to choose what helps them focus best. This flexibility isn't just about comfort, but about giving students autonomy and acknowledging that learning looks different for everyone. Ultimately, her goal is for every student to walk into her classroom feeling respected, safe, challenged, and excited to learn, knowing that this is a place where they belong and can truly shine. 

Career Accomplishments:

• Teacher of the Year, NVLA 23-24
• Obtained her Master's Degree in Mathematics from UNLV