Heroic New Orleans kindergarten teacher Allera Padgett shows us how it's done, creating a welcoming environment for her students while making sure they get vital life lessons too.

Each morning Ms Padgett allows her students to select their greeting before entering the classroom. This creates a safe and positive space for them to join each day. She feels students shouldn’t be all forced into the same greeting because no one knows exactly what each child went through the night before school.

But she doesn't neglect the skills the kids will need to survive in the world outside too, creating a classroom economy that not only teaches the value of money but also responsibility.

"My students get paid, pay bills and then have the opportunity to spend their extra money at our class store," she says.

The 24 year old teacher is the owner of Allera Padgett And Company and the founder of the Girls With A Vision nonprofit organization.

As she puts it herself: "I strive to create a safe space for my students while also setting them up for success in every aspect of life."

"I will continue to provide high quality lessons for my students."

Each morning Ms. Padgett allows her students to select their greeting before entering the classroom. This creates a safe and positive space for them to join each day. She feels students shouldn’t be forced into the same greeting because no one knows exactly what they go through each night before school.

My name is Allera Padgett, a 24 year old kindergarten teacher in New Orleans, LA. I am the owner of Allera Padgett and Company and founder of Girls with a Vision nonprofit organization. I have a passion for helping our youth reach their full potential. I felt the need to ensure my kindergartners are set for success in all aspects of life. Our classroom economy not only teaches the value of money but also responsibility. My students get paid, pay bills and then have the opportunity to spend their extra money at our class store. I will continue to provide high quality lessons for my students.