Big Impact Through a Calm Presence

Middle school can be described as a time of many changes all at once for students—academically, socially, and intellectually. Now, imagine how overwhelming it can feel to walk into a classroom where the lights are dim, the day’s lesson is clearly planned, and the teacher’s presence brings every student’s attention to a place of calm. At LaRue County Middle School, this is the atmosphere in the classroom of 2025 ExCEL Award Nominee, Tori Dangerfield.

Alex Patterson, principal at LCMS, appreciates the energy and drive Dangerfield brings to the building: “Here at LCMS, we prioritize the well-being of our students along with their academic progress. Mrs. Dangerfield is able to bring both of those to her students. That's why we’re excited for her nomination—because she embodies these values every day in her classroom."

For Dangerfield, LaRue County is home. “I became a teacher because of the impact this community had on me. I am a product of LaRue County Schools, and I had such a great experience as a student that, when I thought of the way I could make an impact, I thought about the influence all the teachers and adults in my life had on me. I wanted to positively affect students in the same way.”

Other teachers in the building can attest to the asset Dangerfield is to the culture of the school. “When you’re around Tori, she brings out the best in you. Her classroom is calm, and she’s able to get students to move in the right direction during class by guiding them without ever being loud or demanding,” says Abby Lee, librarian at LCMS.

Some adults openly admit they would shy away from teaching middle school, but not Dangerfield. For her, it’s different. “What keeps me showing up every day is the positive relationships I get to build with my students. Middle schoolers keep you honest and humble. They’re an interesting group, to say the least—but they are also a lot of fun, and they are simply my people. Every day, they keep me laughing. My favorite part of being a teacher is having those one-on-one conversations with students where I get to know them, they get to know me, and the result is greater trust that builds positive results in the classroom.”

For Lee, Dangerfield is the type of teacher new teachers can look up to. “For incoming teachers, she is an example to follow. She thinks through everything: the lights in her classroom are dim, the lessons are planned and thorough, and the result is her classroom management is top-notch. The students in her class benefit from the level of intention Tori brings to the forefront of their educational experience.”