LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Becky Haenfler was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Haenfler is a middle school English language arts teacher in the Avon School District. She has spent 19 years creating classrooms where students are excited about reading and learning. She teaches fifth, sixth, and seventh grade in the very school she once attended as a child. Today, she even teaches in the same classroom where her own love of literature began. Her engaging instruction emphasizes meaningful lessons built around novels that help students make real-world connections and develop into lifelong readers.

One of her most recent accomplishments was being awarded the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. South Dakota Secretary of Education Joseph Graves praised Ms. Haenfler for her ability to ensure every student has the support needed to tackle challenging and inspiring texts. He noted that a Department of Education team observed a classroom culture marked by both enthusiasm and seriousness of purpose. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach motivates learners at different levels and fosters confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Ms. Haenfler holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Arts as a reading specialist from the University of South Dakota. She uses that expertise to elevate literacy and learning every day. In addition to her classroom work, she will use the honorarium and grant she received as Teacher of the Year to present professional development seminars for aspiring teachers, sharing her passion and effective practices with future educators across the state.

Through her dedication to student growth, ability to build joyful, rigorous literacy experiences, and commitment to supporting the next generation of teachers, Ms. Haenfler exemplifies what it means to be a LifeChanger. Her work helps students succeed academically and find confidence, joy, and purpose in their learning.