LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Dana Ladner

Position: First Grade Teacher
School: Lizana Elementary School
School District: Harrison County School District
City, State: Gulfport , MS

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Dana Ladner was nominated by Meghan Ingram, a parent of a student.

"My son struggled in pre-school and kindergarten. He is incredibly intelligent, but would get bored, lose focus, or be afraid to go to school due to bullying. He also threw up daily due to nerves and anxiety...This year, he is a student in Ms. Ladner's class, and he is thriving.  He is excited to go to school and brings home all the things she has taught the class.  He finished all of his phrases for the year in November and is enjoying school. Also, my son has not been sent home sick once due to nervous vomiting."

Ms. Ladner uses leadership, patience, and kindness to change the trajectory for these young children.  She has a special ability and skill set that helps her figure out the needs of each child and push them to their full potential.  Her class is full of fun and incentives, and she often goes above and beyond to make special events happen for the kids, even if they're a minor inconvenience to her schedule.

"Ms. Ladner has changed our lives. Most importantly, she has given our son the confidence and self-worth that he was lacking before. What a difference a teacher can make! I believe Ms. Ladner and her achievements should be celebrated,"  said Ingram.

Comments (18)

Jaxton Garriga Posted over a year ago

Congrats Ms. Dana! You deserve this, you are amazing, you are powerful, and you are a life-changer, a miracle bringer and so much more. Lizana loves you! We promise! Love ya!

Virginia adams Posted over a year ago

Congrats Dana you are a dedicated teacher to your students and deserve recognition of all your hard work Lazana elem. Is lucky to have you.

Ann Rusher Posted over a year ago

Ms. Dana had all three of my sons in her first grade class. My oldest is about to graduate high school with not only a diploma, but he will also receive his associates degree. Ms. Dana cares and the kids feel it. She is not only their favorite teacher, but my favorite teacher too!

Patricia Malley Posted over a year ago

My oldest is 15 now, but once upon a time, she was a student in Mrs. Dana's class. My daughter was restless, talkative and hard to focus. She could have been easily passed off and seen as difficult, but not for Mrs. Dana. My daughter was bored. She needed more and Mrs. Dana was patient with her and able to challenge her mind and make it fun. This is the Mrs. Dana we all know and love! She knows her children. She recognizes their needs on an individual level and is able to accommodate their growth. She gives them genuine encouragement and the children feel that with how she interacts with them each day. I wish every teacher approached the task of educating our children the way she does. She's truly a blessing.

Saranda Cuevas Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dana Ladner has always proven that diligence and determination are the cornerstone of success both personally and professionally. Our children, grandchildren and community depend on Dana for her dedication to all of us. For our family, she has been “the first grade teacher”.

Tiffany Fox Posted over a year ago

She has been an answered prayer to us as my son’s teacher this year! Dana isn’t just there to have a job. She is passionate about what she is doing and it is evident that God placed her there to teach. She has not only impacted my son’s life, but mine as well. She doesn’t keep her role inside the walls of the classroom. She not only built a relationship with my son, but with me as well. That shows how much she cares and how much she truly wants these students to succeed. I am truly thankful for her dedication, passion, gentleness, patience and sincere love. You are loved and appreciated so much Dana! God bless you!

Carrie Ladner Posted over a year ago

Both of my children and many nieces and nephews have had Ms Dana at some point during their years at Lizana Elementary. They all loved her first as an assistant then as a teacher. She has “pulled a many of teeth” at Lizana,haha. The community has been blessed to have her all these years.

Kim Gremillion Posted over a year ago

I had the pleasure of working side by side with Dana when I was a special education teacher. I learned a great deal from her even though she and I had the same years of experience. She is extremely dedicated, organized, and persistent. She creates a learning environment that is unique with structure that allows built in movement within her classroom. One thing I admired about her was her consistency with parent communication. I, also, appreciated her support and acceptance with having another professional in the classroom. That is a very rare circumstance.

Annette Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your nomination.. Best of luck. I pray you get it. You are a hard worker. You want to help students succeed. I have told you before that your Aunt Ida is watching you and is so proud of you...And I am proud of you. Love you, Annette

Kimberly Ables Posted over a year ago

Ms.Dana taught 2 out of my 3 daughters. My oldest started out as special education student. Ms.Dana and her assistant NEVER gave up on her and to this day, I believe she is why our oldest has the love for school and learning that she does. And for something extra, our oldest tested out of sped just a few years after being in Ms.Dana’s room. The foundation started there and to this day, she has never strayed. Our other daughter was diagnosed as visually impaired in Ms.Dana’s class and she worked hours, through and through, helping her, making sure she could see what was given to her, helped her when she needed it, and helped come up with the best IEP goals and plans for the next year. In large part, my girls wouldn’t be where they are without her. They know they can go to her anytime and she will be there! She is such a blessing to us!!

Kathye Jarrell Posted over a year ago

Dana is a special friend whom I've known for many years. I know she loves being a teacher and is so conscientious about her work. She's a caring person and is very loyal to her family,friends and teaching.

Tammy Steele Posted over a year ago

Dana Ladner taught three of my grandkids.She is a one of a kind.She will always be someone special to me and my family.She deserves the Recognition!

Denise ladner Posted over a year ago

My youngest absolutely loves Ms. Dana. One of his favorite teachers.

Abby Spiers Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Dana was and still has been one of the best teachers I ever had. Everyday after 1st grade until I went to middle school I would visit her in her classroom. She cared even after she stopped teaching me. She is truly like a second mom to me and one of the best teachers I have ever had.

Harvis Smith Posted over a year ago

Dana Ladner is an asset to public education. She is organized, thorough, and has high expectations for her students. Her students rise to the occasion and student growth is the result. She provides varied learning activities to meet the needs of her students. They feel safe and thrive in her classroom. Congratulations on your nomination.

Roseann Posted over a year ago

You were an amazing teacher to my daughter Zoey. She loved being in your class and you inspired her love for reading. Thank you for all you do for our children.

Lisa Northrop Posted over a year ago

She was an incredible teacher who made a huge impact on our twins both intellectually and socially. We are so thankful for her.

Emilie Dedeaux Posted over a year ago

I am a senior now and Mrs. Dana has and will always by my favorite teacher. She gave me the fundamentals I needed badly and now I am thriving. Thank you.