Andrea Leon smiles at the slogan on Natomas Unified School District’s logo, “Connecting Students to Their Future.”
In a roundabout way, the District connected the special education teacher to her future, too.
Leon had planned to become a registered nurse, but after her son was diagnosed with autism, she opted to become personally involved in his education. Eventually, she became a substitute instructional aide at Two Rivers Elementary, then a full-time instructional aide at Bannon Creek School. After earning a master’s degree in special education, Leon was hired by NUSD as a teacher in 2012. She served first at Westlake Charter School before moving last year to Natomas Middle School, where she is campus Teacher of the Year.
“Ms. Leon is a tremendous professional who always works to ensure that her students get what they need,” said Dr. Tina Tranzor, NMS principal. “She is a leader among her peers and well respected within the Special Education Team.”
Leon said her son, now a teenager in Natomas High School’s Independent Living Skills program, continues to be her inspiration for teaching.
“I like to know that I’m making a difference with kids, especially students who are struggling with learning disabilities,” she said.
Leon said she tries to celebrate even small achievements by students, particularly those struggling with learning disabilities, so they gain confidence and realize that every success counts toward attaining goals.
“To me, every day is a new day for my students,” she said. “You don’t get bored. It could be behavioral goals that we’re achieving in one day, then academics the next day. But every day there’s an area where you can see improvement. I enjoy it.”
In Teacher of the Year nomination forms, Leon is described as a caring and understanding instructor, an open and honest communicator, a team player with colleagues, and someone who builds strong relationships with students and families.
Parenting a special-needs child has served her well in the classroom, she said.
“I think I have more patience, I’m willing to not sweat the small stuff,” Leon said. “And I have empathy for the parents. I understand that parents don’t want to wait three days for a phone call, it’s their child, they want to hear back as soon as they have a concern. I try to keep that in mind.”
“I think any child can be successful in something,” Leon added. “I hope I convey that in how I interact with kids, so they know I believe in them.”
