Music that Describes Leslie
Leslie McIntosh was nominated by her principal, Chad Maynor.
Coretta Scott King once said, "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Mrs. McIntosh portrays greatness each and every day as she works to positively impact the lives of her students, the community-at-large, and the lives of her colleagues. She's a graduate of the Bandys High School class of 1994, where she was an all-conference three-sport athlete (basketball, softball, and track) and a member of the 1994 Bandys High School State Championship 2A Girls basketball team. She was also an active member of the school's Beta Club, FCA, student council, and yearbook committee .Even in high school, Mrs. McIntosh went above and beyond to excel in the classroom, on the field, on the court, on the track, and in the community as an active member of the aforementioned academic and student service organizations. In short - she was a role model, even as a teenager.
After graduating from high school, Mrs. McIntosh went on to attend UNC-Charlotte, where she earned her B.A. in English and later an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Supervision. Unsurprisingly, the aspiration to become a teacher brought her back home to Bandys High School. Twenty-two years later, she continues to give back to her beloved high school each and every day. Over the course of those twenty-two years, she has filled the following roles within her school and/or district:
- High School English Language Arts Teacher (22 years)
- Yearbook Coordinator (10 years)
- Assistant Varsity Softball Coach (6 years);
- Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach (7 years);
- Head JV Basketball Coach (4 years);
- Beta Club Advisor (10 years);
- Bus Driver (3 years);
- Building Leadership Team (3 years);
- Department Chair (18 years);
- National Board Certified Teacher;
- Lead ELA Teacher;
- District ELA Professional Development Leadership Representative, and;
- District Technology Representative
During tough times, Mrs. McIntosh is the first to organize efforts to support members of the Bandys family, including students, staff, and the community. When an unexplained fire burned the Balls Creek Camp Meeting this year, Mrs. McIntosh was the first to try to support those who had suffered loss, including a former teacher who had lost all 30 years of her prized yearbooks in the fire. Less than one week later, Mrs. Lutz-Carpenter had all but one of her prized yearbooks replaced during a school-wide homecoming assembly. In addition, Mrs. McIntosh led the efforts to recognize the local fire departments and first responders who had fought to keep the fire from spreading further in conjunction with the school's cheerleading coaches.
Last year, Mrs. McIntosh was instrumental in fundraising efforts to support a high school senior who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, causing him to miss much of his senior year. During this time, Mrs. McIntosh supported efforts to fundraise for the family, share information via social media, and support the student and his family during this difficult time. Even today, Mrs. McIntosh supports continued efforts to provide resources and encourage this student and his family as he continues to undergo treatments.
Professionally, Mrs. McIntosh is an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond to help her students succeed in and out of the classroom. Her results are evident; year after year, her students consistently exceed expected growth in ELA. Aside from excelling in the classroom, she continues to give back to her profession by supervising student teachers wishing to enter the teaching profession. She also mentors new teachers across various content areas to encourage their successful integration into the classroom and teaching profession.
"Mrs. McIntosh's commitment to her students, colleagues, and the community-at-large make her a LifeChanger in the eyes of so many at Bandys High School and across our community," said Maynor. "To say the least, she is a blessing to our school on so many levels."
This nomination is well deserved. When my son was a senior (about 17 years ago) he became very sick the second half of the school year. There were a lot of senior activities he needed to know about. She made sure he did not miss a single thing that he needed to know toward his graduation and other school studies. Her calls to us for an update on him every day will never be forgotten! He returned to school without missing a beat and that was all because of her. Her compassion for the kids to succeed truly is shown by her actions!
Mrs. Mac was hands down one of the most influential teachers that I’ve ever had in my life. Sure, she taught us. She taught us well. I had never before heard of a high school teacher requesting round tables and art supplies for her 17 year old students. But there we were learning how to analyze a text and having Socratic seminars and learning how to disagree with others without being disrespectful. But beyond all of that we saw exactly who she is as person. I’ve never known someone to love so many teenagers as this woman does. The fact that she GENUINELY loves teenagers should tel you exactly what she is like. I could never thank her enough for the lasting impact she has had on my life or for the invaluable lessons I have learned from her.
Mrs. McIntosh was my teacher for honors and AP English. While I was in her class, Mrs. McIntosh found out she had passed her National Board Certification. I didn’t realize how great of a feat this was at the time. As a high school student, I remember thinking that Mrs. McIntosh was a teacher that led by example in showing her students that your never done learning. She was always excited for our accomplishments, so it was neat that we got to share in the excitement of one of her successes. While I didn’t really know what NBC entailed, I could relate to setting a goal and celebrating when you reach that goal. Today I am an educator and I teach 3rd grade at one of the elementary schools that feeds into Bandy’s High School. Even though it was 15 years ago, I haven’t forgotten Mrs. McIntosh and how she showed me that learning is a life long process. Thank you!
Mrs. McIntosh is one of the most caring people I know!! She has a passion for what she does. She is always willing to lend a helping hand in the classroom, in the community, on the field, etc.. She truly invests in students and wants to see them succeed. She will go out of her way to help any student in anyway she can. Mrs. McIntosh is truly a life changer in many if not all of her students lives.
Some teachers make an indelible impact in our lives and help to shape our dreams and career goals. Leslie McIntosh is definitively one of those special, life changing teachers. Mrs. McIntosh was my Honors and Advanced Placement English teacher in High School. Her lectures and activities were meticulously planned and executed with foresight and careful planning. She challenged us to critically examine literature, she taught us how to improve out writing, and she engaged us with thought provoking passages and texts. Most importantly, Mrs. McIntosh taught us how to be good citizens and leaders. I will always be grateful the lasting impact she has had on my life, and I hope that my current students see some of her character and quality in my own teaching.
Good luck Mrs. McIntosh--this award is well deserved!
Mrs. Mac was one of the best english teachers I ever had at Bandys! I only had her for senior year but she went above and beyond to make sure all of us had the chance to excel in her classroom. She is compassionate and you can tell she loves her job!
If anyone deserves this it’s Mrs. Mac. She goes above and beyond for her students. She involves herself in there lives as more than just a teacher, cheering each and everyone one of them on in everything they do!
Wow. What an honor for a very deserving teacher. She always went above and beyond for her students in and out of the classroom. It only takes a minute in her classroom to notice that she is the type of teacher that loves her job and wants to make a lasting impact on her students. She was instrumental in helping me go to college and following my dreams. If I had to pick an all time favorite teacher it would have to be Mrs. McIntosh. Congratulations on a well deserved honor. Thank you for all you have done for me in my life and everything thing you do for the community.
Mrs. Mac is an amazing teacher. She goes above and beyond for her students and even kids who are not in her classes. She helps with things throughout the whole school. She also a very active member of the Bandys' community leading fundraisers and helping with anything she can. Mrs. Mac exemplifies what it is to be a teacher and a member of a community.
Leslie was a great coworker when I was at Bandys. She truly cares about the kids and is well loved by everyone at the school. She is definitely changing lives!
This superwoman does incredible things in even the shortest amount of time. She always goes above and beyond for everyone she meets and is always sure no one ever goes without! She deserves all the recognition in the world! You rock Mrs. Mac!!!
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. McIntosh as a teacher during my time at Bandys. I became pregnant while in her class and not once did she ever make me feel less than because of my situation. If anything she went above and beyond asking me how I was and how the pregnancy was going on a daily basis. After I had my daughter I was honored to have another class with Mrs. Mac as my teacher. True to character she continued to ask how Gracie was, and offered me parenting tips whenever needed. My daughter will be headed to Bandys next year and I hope she gets the honor of having Mrs. Mac for at least one class. I can not think of anyone who deserves this recognition more than her.
Leslie always gives 100% in whatever endeavor she is involved in. She has changed my life in so many ways. Her positive attitude, genuine love of people, and giving spirit changes lives on a daily basis. She loves her students. She loves her coworkers. She loves her friends. She loves her family. She supports many people in ways that are beyond measure. She gives her all. It is without a doubt that Leslie has changed my life and many others. She is such an asset to the educational field and God has blessed her with so many talents that she continues to share with those around her. I cannot think of any one person who is more deserving of this award. Congratulations, Leslie!
I refer to her as “Coach” even though she coached 17 years ago. I do it out of respect that I have for who she was and currently is in my life. She’s always kept in touch with words of encouragement. She’s followed my military career and keeps up with the happenings of my personal and professional life. She’s dedicated to her students and athletes for a lifetime. She’s a great mentor and an inspiration to those she encounters. She helps folks reach their full potential. She’s helped me become who I am today! She’s the true definition of a life changer!
Mrs. McIntosh is most deserving of this award. She was an excellent teacher and coach and she gets to know each student on a personal level. She takes initiative to coordinate events for her school and hometown, working long hours, while never expecting anything in return.
My senior year of high school, when I lost a close friend to a car accident, Mrs. McIntosh was the first one to come to me in support and love, even driving me home from school that day. This is just one of many stories that demonstrates her compassion and willingness to help others.
She is a hometown hero who is most deserving of this award!
A great teacher who helped a lot of kids thanks for all you do
When I was deciding between colleges Mrs. McIntosh spoke to me as a high school senior about how much she loved UNCC, which is where I graduated from 4 years later to become a fellow educator. I now teach at the elementary school that feeds into the high school where she works and continues to inspire others.
Well deserved nomination and no surprise at all to me! I've known Leslie through her high school years and watched her not only excel as a student but grow as a young woman into the role model she is now for her students, family, and this community. I noticed during the Homecoming Assembly all the faces in the crowd of former students whose lives she has impacted in ways she will never know. A true leader.
Mrs. McIntosh is one of those teachers that can energize and motivate. She can help students to see the facets of a subject that they may have not considered, thereby sparking a newfound interest in the subject. This was my experience with her and high school English. She has helped to shape the well-rounded nature of my education and interests. At such a crucial time in a young person's life, it is good to have people like her around. This nomination is well-deserved!
Ms. Mac has taught two of my children thus far. Both of them like her immensely and have been enriched by her guidance. She has a sincere passion for her students and encourages them to be connected and supportive in their community. She has definitely been a positive influence in their lives. And for me personally, she has offered much coaching on how to guide my children through their young adult lives after high school. Love her!
Mrs. Mac is a huge part of the unique and awesome community that is Bandys. I had her as both an English teacher and yearbook advisor almost 10 years ago (hard to believe). She brings out the best her students, both academically and personally. English was never my favorite subject but I looked forward to her class every day, which says a lot. She has a way of making you feel that you belong and is always there to offer support and encouragement. I feel lucky to have had her as a teacher and mentor.
Let me start by saying Mrs. Mac is the mom i don't have anymore. She was there for me when i needed her.she goes beyond what she has to for everyone. MRS.MAC deserve everything she gets she is a hard working woman. She loves and cares about her students all the time. I love you mrs.mac
I've been an educator for 36 years and I have NEVER met a better teacher or person than Leslie. I am a better person and teacher for having known her. Our high school is a unique blend of students and personalities - she relates to all of them with equal enthusiasm and success. Personally, I am indebted to her for my professional growth and personal development. She changes more than just student lives...ask anyone who has ever worked with her.
Mrs. Mac goes above and beyond to support, encourage and love all her formers way beyond graduation. She supports local first responders behind close doors when no one notices, she’s just that type of person. When we lost my brother she jumped in to help as much as she could. She always jumps in to help with any local fundraisers to support the community. Very deserving!
Mrs. McIntosh was my mentor my first three years of teaching. She spent countless hours helping me plan, set up my classroom and answer beginning teacher questions. She gave me any materials needed, and I’ll never forget her giving me Romeo and Juliet props for my students to increase engagement. She was a wonderful mentor and helped me grow significantly during my beginning teacher years. She is very deserving of this recognition.
Mrs. McIntosh is a hometown hero and friend. Formerly known to me as Coach Sigmon, Leslie was instrumental in my love of good literature and humanitarian aid. She is truly inspirational and deserving of this nomination.
Leslie is an awesome teacher and supporter to her students. Both my children had her for English. Not only does she help them in the classroom but she always makes sure all groups are included. Whether it is on the Facebook page or the year book she makes sure no one is left out. This means a lot to the children to see her support their accomplishments outside her classroom! Thanks Mrs. Mac!!
I've known Leslie since high school & have always been amazed at her passion & dedication to Bandys High school & our community! She gives countless hours to our school, community & mostly our students. She is certainly a life changer to many!!
Mrs Mac made a positive impact on my son, my daughter and all of their friends. Everyone LOVES Mrs Mac. We can all count on her to be our kids’ school mom. If a student needs something, they know they can go to her, regardless of what it is!! As mom, it is super comforting and important that kids have that “go to” person at school.
It is a pleasure to meet someone who is not only dedicated to their profession and passion, but who makes such a real impact on their community as well. Leslie is truly a Life Changer!
