Lusher Teacher Named Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the year

Lesli Henderson, a third grade teacher at Lusher Elementary School is the Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year. Henderson, (background center), poses with her students,  Mary Piper, interim superintendent, (background left) and Steve Sandbothe, assistant superintendent for school accountability.

The Hazelwood School District has selected Lesli Henderson, a third grade teacher at Lusher Elementary School, as this year’s District Teacher of the Year winner. Henderson and other staff members will be honored at the annual PTA Founders’ Day Celebration on February 4.

“I’m flabbergasted!” she exclaimed, moments after receiving a surprise visit, flowers and hugs. “I’m so excited and I feel very honored. I have worked in the Hazelwood District for 19 years and I never thought that I would be chosen for this.”

Henderson started working as a student teacher at Lusher before becoming a teaching assistant at Larimore Elementary School. In 1993, she worked at Twillman Elementary for four years before returning to Lusher as a full-time teacher.

Mary Piper, interim superintendent, Paula Brown, professional development specialist, and Steve Sandbothe, assistant superintendent for school accountability, provided the unexpected visit, bouquet and hugs as Henderson’s students cheered.

“Students from previous school years return to visit and volunteer in Mrs. Henderson’s classroom,” said Julie Melton, Lusher’s principal. “One former student sent me an e-mail stating, ‘I love Mrs. Henderson. Her room is fun and lively and is geared toward helping students understand basic concepts in their subject matter. She is an excellent role model for anyone wanting to become a teacher.’”

“Lesli Henderson is an outstanding teacher,” said Felicia Boyd, Lusher’s instructional specialist. “She goes above and beyond the call of duty each and every day. She is a teacher who truly loves her job and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of all students.”

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