Teacher, Language Arts, 7

Nathaniel Scribner Junior High School
New Albany, IN

"My students have motivated me to remain an educator," says Jenny Leist, who teaches language arts to seventh-graders at Nathaniel Scribner Junior High in Albany. A member of her school's pilot team, Ms. Leist is currently collaborating in a school-wide effort to successfully complete the transition from a traditional junior high school to a student-centered middle school. Ms. Leist has also been active in the creation of programs that address specific adolescent development issues. She has helped design and implement her school's At-Risk Student Development program, as well as the A.S.A.P.=Success (Attitude, Self-Awareness and Pride Equals Success) after-school program. Both of these programs monitor, foster and reward personal and academic development. To reverse a trend of violent behavior among students, Ms. Leist is committed to creating safe strategies for conflict resolution.