LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Leah Matsuura's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

Mrs. Matsuura has been a teacher at Waiakeawaena Elementary for two years.  In that short time, she has created a classroom community where even struggling learners feel included and valued.  Mrs. Matsuura has high expectations for all students and supports their success by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and families. In the two years she has been with her school, many parents have seen their children blossom under her care.  Several students who struggled in the past have now been recognized as Citizens of the Quarter or Students of the Month. Their perceptions of school have gone from negative to positive.

Besides building a classroom community, Mrs. Matsuura has been a valuable addition to her grade level. She has taken on the technology leader role and participates in grade level articulation, data teams, and numerous school activities.  She has shared best practices during faculty meetings and has sought out professional development for self-identified challenge areas.  Her personalization of learning, high expectations for self and students, reflective nature, and commitment to education will continue to serve students in the years to come.