Andale High School has many dedicated and hard-working teachers and staff. The students are inspired by them and enjoy having someone to look up to. Teachers are the ones who create an engaging environment for the students to learn. They go above and beyond to support and guide the students here at AHS. One teacher that stands out is Mrs. Bruna. She has been an English teacher in Andale for nine years. Not only does she teach English, she also teaches Teaching as a Career and teaches part time at WSU Tech.
Leslie Bruna grew up in Southern California. After high school, she went to the University of Nebraska and majored in education. With this degree, she didn’t start teaching right away. Following her graduation, she worked for the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) in Nebraska. This program helps serve nutritious food to eligible children and adults for those who are enrolled in child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. After this, she was the Nutrition Coordinator for Head Start. At this career, she assessed, planned, and evaluated nutrition services to ensure they are meeting requirements.
Overall Mrs. Bruna has been teaching for 19 years. She started in Wichita Public Schools and taught 7th grade language arts, then came to Andale Middle School for 8 years. She then went to Wilbur for 4 years, and now she’s back at Andale High School and teaching English 1, 2, and Teaching As a Career. She also teaches at WSU Tech part time. Teaching As a Career is a class that is meant to help students decide if teaching is something they want to pursue, learn behind the scenes actions that happen in a classroom, and what makes a good classroom.
Kansas Teacher of the Year recognizes teachers from all over the state for their excellent teaching in elementary and secondary schools. All through the year, different teachers are selected to be nominated each month, and then selected to go to the next round. Mrs. Bruna was nominated for the KTOY and was chosen to go onto the next round! So far, Mrs. Bruna has traveled to different school districts, including USD 383 (Manhattan), Wamego School District, and USD 323 (Rock Creek). In April, KTOY is travelling here for the next round. Mrs. Bruna’s favorite part about being nominated for KTOY is having the honor to learn and collaborate with teachers in the state.
Mrs. Bruna’s favorite thing about teaching is making connections with students and making learning fun and enjoyable but still being able to learn something new in the process. Her optimistic attitude pushes students and staff at AHS to have a great day everyday and to be positive!
