LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Leslie Pronold was nominated anonymously.

"Math has never been my favorite subject, but through my time at Kettle Moraine Middle School with Mrs. Pronold, math became a subject I looked forward to. Every day, she would start with a lesson. We could either follow along on the worksheet or work ahead if we understood the lesson material. By allowing the students to progress at their own pace and giving them help when needed, she helped me become the independent learner I am today," said the student.

"Mrs. Pronold wasn't like every other teacher. She had bangs that she would curl out on each side of her face, adding to the fun and welcoming personality she provided to each student. Her dedication to teaching math is apparent in her calculator phone case, which she had to create a positive outlook on the subject for students. Her favorite joke in class was about functions or, in her mind, "FUNctions." Her love of math and her students made her an important teacher and adult figure in many people's lives," said the student.

"I was lucky enough to have her as not just my math teacher throughout middle school but also my homeroom teacher. Mrs. Pronold always made her classroom feel like home, giving each student personalized attention and care. To her, we were her schoolchildren, and she was our school mom, or as she would say, 'Schmom,'" said the student.

"I remember one day, Mrs. Pronold came into school after a family member had passed that morning, yet she still managed to give us her full attention and care in class. I can remember thinking that one day, I wanted to be as strong as she was someday. Even though I am in high school, I can still contact my 'Schmom' about how I am doing or occasionally visit her at the middle school to help with her students and classes. Although I am no longer in her classes, I can ask Mrs. Pronold about anything. This award would be just a small part of a thank you that is well deserved for a teacher I would not be the same without. By showing me to be strong while creating a thoughtful and kind environment for all students, Mrs. Pronold allowed me and many others to learn to enjoy math. If you have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Pronold or even take a class with her, you will realize the dedicated and passionate teacher she is. Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Pronold," said the nominator.