Leslie Havens

Position: In-Classroom Support/Resource

School: River Plaza Elementary

School District: Middletown Township School District

City, State: Red Bank, New Jersey

About the Nominee: Leslie Havens was nominated by Josie Katz, the parent of a student.Four years ago, Ms. Katz transferred her son from a private school to River Plaza Elementary because he was not making progress. As a first-grader, he struggled with his reading and writing, and as a result, his self-esteem was affected. He was not inspired or motivated to do well in school. Mrs. Havens was one of the first teachers at River Plaza to inspire and motivate him!Mrs. Havens had the patience and expertise required to teach Ms. Katz's son how to read and write. Ms. Katz states that she is grateful for how much Mrs. Havens inspired him. He is now reading above his grade level and enjoys writing short stories.Mrs. Havens not only taught him how to read and write, but made him feel more motivated, comfortable and confident that he could be successful with his writing.In short, Mrs. Havens changed the life of Ms. Katz's son!

[nominee_videos nominee_email="havensl@middletownk12.org"]