Leanne Bradley teaches in the Newport School District. This is her 32nd year as an educator.
Following in her aunt and grandmother’s footsteps, Bradley got her degree in home economics and now teaches family and consumer science at the high school.
Her class is very hands-on, which allows some students to excel.
“They may not have all A’s and B’s in their other classes, but they can be the best sewer or best cook,” Bradley said.
Mrs. Bradley’s story can’t be told without mentioning the person who nominated her for teacher of the month.
Doug Furr was in Bradley’s class when she was teaching in Cave City. When he was a senior, he worked and lived on his own and struggled to pay his bills.
He was about to have to quit the football team to start a night shift job. He talked with Mrs. Bradley and her husband, Jon, who was the Cave City football coach at the time.
By the end of the day, with the help of a few others, they were able to give Doug $600 to help with his bills.
Because of this act, Doug was able to finish the football season.
He wrote a very emotional nomination. We gave Bradley the nomination form to read during her surprise.
She became emotional reading about the impact her assistance had on Doug’s life.
Doug wasn’t able to make it to the surprise because he was working in Texas, but he sent K8 News a text saying her recognition is beyond well-deserved, and he would have loved to have been there.
Bradley values taking care of her students and making sure their needs are met.
“Like with Doug, my students are everything,” Bradley said. “Like, it’s my family and then it’s my kids.”
She has a “cart of plenty” in her classroom. In it, students can find hygiene items, first aid materials, and cosmetic products for emergencies.