Leanne Willen attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and English from the University of Louisville and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Bellarmine University. After working in marketing roles earlier in her career, she felt called to be a teacher. Prior to joining St. Martha, Leanne taught English and Journalism to Juniors at Valley High School. She and her husband have four children and they enjoy trips to Rough River Lake and Walt Disney World. In her spare time, she loves to write and hopes to write and publish a book one day! The Willens are members of St. Martha. Her oldest son is a graudate of St. Martha and her younger three are current Shamrocks.
“I have been called to change the world by guiding, nurturing, and educating young minds, hearts, spirits, and lives. I push students to realize their highest potential, to work to the best of their ability, and to grow as both a student and a person.”
Q & A with Mrs. Willen
Passion:
I have been called to change the world by guiding, nurturing, and educating young minds, hearts, spirits, and lives. I push students to realize their highest potential, to work to the best of their ability, and to grow as both a student and a person. I know from my own experience how powerful and life-changing it can be to have a teacher inspire, challenge, and empower her students. I aspire to be that teacher.
Philosophy:
Not only is it important for students to achieve academically, they must also thrive emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. I believe in fostering a positive learning environment where students feel safe and comfortable sharing, learning, asking questions, and collaborating with peers.
Favorite part of teaching:
I love when students make connections to what they are reading. I love getting to know students through their responses to literature and through their writing. I also love to see their enthusiasm when something clicks for them or when something truly resonates.
Favorite teaching memory:
My favorite memory from last school year was chaperoning the 8th grade class trip. I also really loved watching my students in action during the school play.
Favorite thing about St. Martha:
I love the supportive, close-knit community at St. Martha. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. It’s like a big family and I have enjoyed getting to be part of it!
My hope for my students:
My hope is that they each know how special and unique they are and that I believe in them and want what’s best for them. I hope they know I expect a lot out of them because I want them to always be the very best version of themselves. I hope when they leave St. Martha, they will have the confidence and courage to be themselves and share their gifts and talents with the world.
Fun fact:
I worked at Walt Disney World after college. I worked in merchandise and special events. One of the events I worked was the party and parade for the Boston Red Sox after they won the World Series. I also got to assist the production crew of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition when they brought a family featured on the show to Walt Disney World.
Education:
Bachelor’s in Communication & English, University of Louisville
Master’s in Teaching, Bellarmine University
