LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nicci Mangano was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Mangano's art classroom is a shared space for all students in her school, ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. As a teacher, Ms. Mangano's goal is to create a space that is inclusive, inviting, soothing, and engaging. Her classroom features diffused lighting, diverse seating options, and centers that offer students options for choice.

Her artists respect one another, strive to do their best, and spread kindness. To provide opportunities for everyone to try new things and gain new experiences, she and her students use a variety of media throughout the school year. Beginning with drawing and painting, they progress to three-dimensional sculpture, fibers (including weaving and sewing), clay, and digital art.

The students enjoy working with fabric. Students create screen printing or draw with fabric markers. When creating digital stop motion Claymation projects, they work with non-drying modeling clay. While painting, they love to mix paint colors to create their own unique blends, containing them in clear squirt bottles or honey bear bottles. 

By offering various choices throughout the year, students can develop their skills and discover new strengths. Students are encouraged to be creative, be unique, and embrace differences.

Ms. Mangano's teaching strategies have been highly effective. She was honored with the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Mangano's classroom recently received a carpet space, and the students are enjoying it.

Ms. Mangano tries to provide as much diverse seating as possible for the art room, since many students with different needs spend time in their space throughout the week. There are some wobble stools for wiggly students, and colorful stools for others.