First in the 2017-18 New Staff series
Erin Leonard
Options in Education Teacher/Math Interventionist
Hometown: Belmont
High school graduated from: Belmont
College: Erin earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood. She then went on to obtain her Reading Teacher License from Viterbo University, which has prepared her to support diverse learners and their literacy goals in a strong, balanced literacy environment.
Previous employment: Prior to Mineral Point, she was working in the Platteville School District as a 4th grade teacher. Before that, she was employed in the Pecatonica and Weston School Districts.
She was an intern under Penny Wiegel at Mineral Point Elementary in 2008.
Spouse/children names: My husband’s name is Justin (Special Education teacher at the High School) and we have three children Owen (5), Stella (4), and Jack (8 months).
Hobbies/Free time interests: I enjoy spending time with loved ones, especially my children and husband. Creating memories with my family and friends is something I value greatly and every moment is certainly cherished. I also enjoy reading when time allows, watching movies, taking walks, and baking.
What attracted you to apply at MP Schools? Mineral Point has so many wonderful attributes, but what attracts me most to MP is the quality educators, super students, and caring community. Mineral Point is a school I am proud to send my children to, and in addition to my husband working in the district, I am excited about sharing the same school calendar as them. It has been a dream of mine to work in the district since my internship here in 2008, so I am thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity. Mineral Point is a school of excellence and I am so excited to be part of it.
Initial first impressions of MP Schools/Community? I have known for years and years that Mineral Point was a great school since I grew up nearby in Belmont. MP has charm and character that sets it apart from others. My first impression years ago was positive and since I am fortunate to know many people from MP, I know that this school/community supports and values meaningful learning opportunities for all students, has high expectations for the teachers, and because of these two practices, MP continues to impress me with the progressive ways that make this town and school in Southwest Wisconsin so special.
Quotable: “I have known since I was a young girl that teaching was to be my profession, as learning has always been a passion of mine,” she says. “I have spent the last four years working in Professional Learning Communities collaborating with others to achieve common goals, such as focusing on vertical and horizontal alignment and common assessments, while also trying to determine where there may be gaps in student learning so that students and teachers alike are successful. I understand the importance of productive collaboration with my co-workers, parents, and how to support students in their collaboration goals as well. I adjust my teaching to differentiate for each diverse learner, and I believe in the power of fostering healthy relationships. Students should feel connected, safe, and motivated to take positive risks in their learning.”
“As a teacher, I want to accomplish providing a safe, nurturing, and successful classroom that is conducive to student learning, student engagement, and student achievement. I can accomplish these goals by making connections with students, encouraging them to use their voice, and effectively managing a classroom that is student led. In addition, my goal is to create a lifelong love of learning for all of my students, so that they feel supported to follow their dreams, passions, and be all that they can be.”
“My greatest pleasure in teaching is when my students have the big ‘ah-ha’ moment. The smiles and confidence that follow once the students grasp a new concept is absolutely amazing. I also love seeing each child’s unique personality shine through in different moments during the day or week. My greatest pleasure in teaching is also knowing that every day I have eight hours to help children feel safe, supported, and loved. I get to try and change the world every day by showing each individual student how important and unique they are.”