Spotlight: Leslie McIntosh (NE '23)

Milken Educator Leslie McIntosh is a hometown hero in Syracuse, Nebraska, where she grew up, attended school and saw her own mother serve the community as an educator. Now, an English and language arts teacher at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School, she, too, is serving the community that raised her. “I had many wonderful teachers in my childhood. In fact, I have had the privilege to work with many of them today because I came back to my hometown to live and raise my children.” Leslie received a 2023-24 Nebraska Milken Educator Award in Syracuse on November 21, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Leslie McIntosh (NE '23): My students were thrilled! Many former students visit my classroom to check in and say hello, and they still want to talk about the award. The notification surprise was a big deal to my small community and spotlighted what a great place it is to work and for our kids to learn.

MFF: Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to become a teacher, especially in the Syracuse community?

McIntosh: I had many wonderful teachers in my childhood. In fact, I have had the privilege to work with many of them today because I came back to my hometown to live and raise my children. Although teaching wasn’t what I originally thought I would go into, I’ll always remember my former Kindergarten teacher telling me that I ought to be a teacher. The relationship I formed as a Big Brother Big Sister mentor in college also influenced me to pursue a career in education.

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

McIntosh: My mom has certainly served as a role model to me. She’s the first person I call when I need to bounce an idea off of. She began her teaching career when I was in junior high school, so I witnessed her passion and love of teaching in my teen years.  

My pursuit of master’s degrees from Doane University is really what shaped my practices and disposition as a teacher. I had great field experiences and meaningful discourse which led me to develop and improve my instruction. The Doane teachers and my Doane leadership cohort were vital to my growth as a teacher leader. 

In addition, my mentor and principal Tim Farley demonstrated true servant leadership. I learned so much from him. He taught me how and trusted me to take on teacher leader roles in my school.  

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. 

McIntosh: My first year of teaching was unique. I was hired to teach counseling lessons and also worked as a kindergarten paraeducator. After that first year, I taught third grade. I was super fortunate to have other teachers who became friends and helped me get through it. It was a challenging year as I also went on maternity leave with my daughter. Some of those colleagues are still some of my most dear friends today. 

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

McIntosh: I hope they remember how much they were cared for and how important it was to me that they felt success while I was their teacher. I really want my students to set goals and aim high. I hope they remember that even though I had high and rigorous expectations, they also remember that I was fair and wanted what was best for each one of them.   

MFF: What specific tactics or strategies do you believe were most effective in raising ELA proficiency among your fifth graders? 

McIntosh: I preach and practice independent reading. One thing my fifth grade colleagues and I do each year is challenge our students to read and log 40 books or more in the school year. This school year, one of my homeroom students beat the record by reading 309 books. Creating a culture of reading is so important. Setting high goals, creating an environment with strong routines and expectations, modeling perseverance, and celebrating improvement and success are keys to raising ELA proficiency. 

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

McIntosh: One thing I find really important in teaching is to lean on positive people. It’s no secret that teaching comes with its challenges. When you seek out and surround yourself with like-minded positive people, you will find greater joy in what you do. The joys far outweigh the challenges. Making a positive influence in the lives of kids is super fulfilling. My bucket is often filled with former students, colleagues, leaders, and parents who express their gratitude. 

Another piece of advice is to be prepared to keep learning. Collaborating with teachers and leaders, asking for help, watching master teachers, reading about pedagogies and implementing new strategies are so important. Students’ needs change from year to year so it’s necessary to keep learning in order to be an effective teacher. 

Watch our interview with Leslie McIntosh (NE '23) on the day of her Milken Award notification: