2022 Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson Spotlights Leach Educator

I drove right by the school my first time into Leach. I blame Siri, who took me directly to a pasture of cows. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩. I did what any city person would do: I switched to Google, who predicted I was eight minutes away. Up, down, and around red dirt roads the artificial “intelligence” took me until I landed just a few hundred yards from those cows who greeted me eight minutes ago.

Maybe it’s not entirely surprising Siri missed Leach School. Yes, with 180 students grades PreK through 8, they may lack in size. But, as Mrs. Ginny Sauceda told me, they do not lack in heart. I was privileged to see Mrs. Sauceda’s students’ science fair projects the day I visited. While many schools have done away with science fairs, it continues to be a staple of Leach School, thanks to the dedication of their middle school science teacher, who says, “It’s all about inquiry.” Indeed, Mrs. Sauceda is committed to igniting her students’ innate spirit of inquiry and curiosity.

After all, the future belongs to the curious.

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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴?

As a young girl, I had trauma in the home; my house was not a happy place to be, but teachers were so good to me–I loved being in school. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wynkoop, could just read me. She provided [me] love and safety. That’s what I want to do for my students. If you don’t connect with your students, they’re not going to learn from you. Their physical and emotional needs have to be met first; relationships are central. Once we connect, we can teach.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵?

In ninth grade, my family moved from New York to Leach. I am one of seven kids, and we all ended up staying here because this community is so special. I have never seen or experienced the bond teachers and kids have in this school. They’re not just a number; they’re like family. We take care of each other. That's why I've taught here—and only here—for 23 years. We’re in a low socio-economic area, yes, but if you look at the valedictorians and salutatorians in the area high schools, most of them come from Leach School. One of the things about this school is it builds confidence. I’m proud of the work we do here.

𝗪𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?

When that lightbulb goes on–the brightness in my job is when students get it. My good thing is when they understand what I’m trying to teach them, and that’s not just out of science books or curriculum or standards. It’s when I see a student grow in themselves; when I see that confidence emerge; when I see them find their passions and talents…that’s my good thing.

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While artificial intelligence may have led me to Leach School, I found 100% authenticity, commitment, and sacrifice. Although some might not understand the intrigue of a small town and small school, Leach School is likely to be the one that convinces you how special they are. Leach is not only a school; it’s a family–as evidenced by its nearly non-existent staff turnover. Recently, the school raised over $38,000 so that they could put on their annual Christmas Show, complete with a multitude of gifts hand-picked by teachers for each and every one of their 180 students–a tradition the entire town looks forward to every year. Committed to ensuring that every child belongs, Mrs. Sauceda and her colleagues go to great lengths to keep their traditions alive and vibrant. Pie Supper, trips to Houston’s Space Center, Science Fair, Christmas Show, and Morning Announcements are just snapshots at how Mrs. Sauceda embraces all learners. Mrs. Sauceda’s students knock on the door of opportunity…and she flings it wide open for them to enter.

Thank you, Mrs. Sauceda.

Thank you, Teachers of Oklahoma.

#oklaed #TeachersofOK Leach Public School

Leach Public School

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