“Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of being a teacher. I actually remember the moment when I was in second grade that I stopped and prayed,” said Leah McDonald, our Eastern Shore Parents Teacher of the Month. “My prayer was simply, ‘Dear God, when I grow up can I be a teacher and a mommy?’”
Both prayers were answered for Leah and in exceedingly, abundant ways. She and her husband Mark have been married for 41 years and have two grown sons, one daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Leah has been teaching for a total of three decades!
“Honestly, I am overwhelmed by this honor,” shared Leah when asked how she felt about receiving our Teacher of the Month award. “It’s hard to find the words to even express how I feel. I am new to this school and this area so I am humbled that the parents have nominated me for such an honor.”
Leah and her husband moved here from California. Actually, they sold their home and left California a few years ago and took time to RV around the country. It was only a year ago they decided to settle into our community and she began teaching sixth grade at Central Christian School in Robertsdale.
“We love to RV,” Leah exclaimed. “We have traveled all over the country seeing numerous national parks, historical places and so much of the beauty God created.”
Leah says it is difficult to describe her teaching style but it is probably ‘out of the box’ and a real mix of any type of teaching styles available.
“I believe children learn best when they are enjoying the process and are actively engaged,” she said. “I use a lot of hands-on activities, games, brain breaks and small group collaborative work. I also use a lot of STEAM activities, Barney Bucks, class points, etc. to keep them motivated.”
Beyond academics, Leah hopes to leave her students with a desire to develop a relationship with God.
“My hope is that I teach them to love the Lord with all their hearts and to understand how much He adores them,” Leah shared. “I also want them to realize life is a journey and to find joy in every circumstance.”
Leah McDonald and her husband Mark have been married for over four decades and have traveled all over the country in their RV. They love to hike, kayak, play games and meet new people. They also enjoy watching their grandsons play baseball and football.
