A longtime USD 446 library/media specialist was honored Friday morning as the "Quality Teacher of the Month" for May.  As this month's recipient of the district-wide honor, Leslie Stair was presented with the keys to a new car to drive during the month of May.
 
The announcement of Stair’s selection was made as she was working with a group of students inside a mobile classroom unit that is housing a temporary library while the current library is being relocated inside the middle school.

Making the announcement and presenting Stair with a framed certificate on behalf of the USD 446 Board of Education and school district staff were Superintendent Chuck Schmidt and IMS Principal Mark Hayward.
 
Jeff Edwards, sales associate with Quality Motors of Independence, presented her with the keys to a 2010 “dark ink blue” Ford Edge. 

 

Tammy Hader, advertising account executive with Cable One, gave her an orange laptop carrying case, and Clay Corey, Tallgrass Broadcasting’s new production manager and the 102.9 Rocks afternoon host, presented Stair with gifts provided by Twigs Floral & Gifts and Brothers Railroad Inn, as well as a 102.9 Rocks T-shirt.

 

IMS students said Mrs. Stair is an “amazing” teacher in addition to being a great librarian. Several called her a “very polite person” who is always willing to help students.
 
Stair grew up in rural Independence.  While also raising a young family she earned an associate of arts degree from Independence Community College in 1991.  After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1994, with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, she completed a master’s degree in educational technology at PSU in 1999. 

 

During her college career she was a Presidential Scholar, part of the PSU Honors Program, and graduated with top academic honors from both ICC and PSU.

 

After working in the family’s fresh produce business for several years she joined the Independence public schools as a teacher’s aide in 1987.  A few years later she was hired by Tri-County Special Education Cooperative as a special education paraprofessional and was assigned to a Washington School behavior disorders classroom.

 

Stair joined USD 446 as a full-time third grade teacher at Lincoln School in 1996.  Two years later she was named Lincoln’s library/media specialist.  She assumed her current library/media specialist responsibilities at IMS prior to the 2007-2008 school year.

 

Stair has been involved in a variety of community activities over the years, including working with the Junior Girls Unit of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, serving as a city recreation softball coach and volunteering with church youth activities.

 

Throughout her professional career she has also been active in numerous education and professional organizations.

She and her husband, Walter, have three grown children, including daughters Jackie and Jami and son Cobey.  The Stairs also have two granddaughters and two grandsons.

 

The "Quality Teacher of the Month" recognition program was initiated in September 2006 and is co-sponsored by Quality Motors of Independence, Cable One-Independence, and Tallgrass Broadcasting/KIND Radio.  Educators selected for the honor are recognized for demonstrating teaching excellence and for providing a positive learning environment for their students.
 
According to Superintendent Schmidt, the "Quality Teacher of the Month" program was established to honor local educators who demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of their students, work with others in the educational environment, and bridge the gap to reach parents.

 

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