Leach inspires her students through dedicated teaching
Jeanne Leach is in her 17th year of teaching in the East Holmes Local School District. She teaches ELA and social studies at Wise Elementary.
For Jeanne Leach, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching her students reach their goals. Over her 26-year career in education, she has spent 17 years pouring into the lives of students in the East Holmes Local School District, where she teaches English/language arts and social studies to fifth grade and sixth grade students.
Helping students succeed has always brought her joy, but one particular moment stands out. A fifth-grader who had been struggling in math finally saw the results of his hard work.
“While they were in P.E. class, I placed the tests face down on their desks,” Leach said. “He walked in, sat down and turned his paper over. He jumped from his seat and shouted, ‘I got an A! I haven’t seen one of those since … since first grade!’”
The joy on his face and how the entire class celebrated with him has stayed with her through the years.
In fact, it was her own sixth grade social studies teacher who inspired her to become an educator. Leach had originally set her sights on nursing, but that changed when she discovered a love for learning.
“(She was) always finding a way to make you feel like you were full of potential,” she said. “I decided at that moment that I wanted to be a teacher and never looked back.”
She attended Wellston High School and Ohio University. As a student she was actively involved in various clubs and activities. In elementary school she participated in Safety Patrol, and in high school she was a member of the gymnastics team; played the clarinet and oboe in marching, pep and concert bands; and sang in the choir. She also served as the business manager for the school newspaper, participated in the Tri-Hi-Y Club and worked as an office aide.
Over the years Leach has been touched by how many students save their work and projects from her class. Younger siblings often tell her about the papers and crafts they’ve found in family keepsake boxes.
“It made me realize that my planning and extra effort did matter to them,” she said.
The most challenging part of her job is balancing her time among all the activities that come with running a classroom.
Outside of school Leach stays busy playing the piano, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.