Leanne Weiler: A New Chapter Begins at East Ridge Elementary
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we will follow along with Leanne Weiler, a first-year Kindergarten teacher, highlighting her teaching journey along the way.
(Aug. 14, 2024)-- As the school bell rings at East Ridge Elementary, a new chapter begins not only for the students but also for Leanne Weiler, a first-year Kindergarten teacher.
Weiler, a 22-year-old Knoxville native, graduated from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in May 2024, where she studied early childhood education and early childhood special education. After attending a Hamilton County Schools job fair in March 2024, Weiler was offered a position at East Ridge Elementary. Excitedly, Weiler accepted. The passion for teaching runs in the Weiler family, with her mother recently retiring after teaching preschool for 25 years. “It was always her deal with my dad,” Weiler said. “She got to retire when I graduated college. So, she ended her career when I started mine.” As Weiler steps into her classroom, she is dedicated to establishing routines, building relationships, and fostering social and emotional skills among her Kindergarteners. Her favorite part of her classroom is the play area, where students can engage in developmental play and build their problem solving and creative skills.
Weiler’s transition from college to her own classroom has been notably smooth. With support from New Teacher Academy, Personal Development Days, her mentor teacher, and fellow educators, she feels well-prepared for the school year ahead. Reflecting on an encouraging letter from her mentor teacher, Emily Rossman, Weiler recalls: “It’s a hard job, but you know why you’re here. You’re going to have hard days, especially as a first-year teacher. Write down the funny stories, the sweet stories. Because when you’re having those bad days, and you go back and read those stories, you’re going to laugh and remember why you’re here.” Weiler is ready to embrace the unexpected and looks forward to connecting with her students and building lasting relationships.
As Kindergarten phase-in approaches, Weiler enthusiastically awaits the moment when she will close her classroom door for the first time and engage with her students. “I want to build relationships,” Weiler said. “People always say they remember their Kindergarten teacher—I remember mine. I want to be that for my kids. You have to meet the standards and objectives, of course, but you won’t get there without having a relationship with your students.”
While she anticipates the challenges of her first year, Weiler is eager to make a positive impact and adapt to the unexpected twists that come with teaching. Her blend of fresh enthusiasm and supportive resources suggests a promising start to her teaching career.
Follow along as we capture highlights from Leanne Weiler’s journey throughout the school year. Get ready for a year filled with learning, laughter, and growth.