Leah Masterson, second from right stands with her family, (left to right) husband Jeff and daughters, Julie and Jill.

By Bernie Moussad

For the FCT

When people think of who influenced them the most in their childhood, they often think of the teachers they had. One teacher who has gone above and beyond is Leah Masterson, Russellville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.

She was born and raised in Russellville. She’s been in the Russellville City Schools system all of her life. After graduating from Russellville High School, she attended Northwest-Shoals Community College and later went to the University of North Alabama.

She currently teaches fourth grade reading, language arts and history.

“Mrs. Masterson has worked many years at Russellville Elementary. She has taught fifth and fourth grades and has touched many lives,” said Kristie Ezzell, RES principal. “She is well deserving of this honor as she arrives very early for her job and stays very late. She also works many weekends, planning the best lessons she can for her students. She is well loved by our faculty and students, and we are lucky to have her as part of our RES family.”

Masterson’s feelings concerning her classes from this past school year was quite positive. “This past year I had two reading classes and my homeroom. The students in my classes were wonderful. I enjoyed spending the day teaching them,” said Masterson.

As most people know, the school system is changing constantly. Masterson is “looking forward to all the wonderful things ahead” and she plans “to have another great year with (her) students next year.”

Upon receiving the award, Masterson said she was filled with surprise and at the same time was very honored to have been chosen. “It was a wonderful way to close the year.”

Most teachers who have ever received this honor would agree.

“I would like for the students and teachers to know how much they mean to me,” Masterson added. “I love the people I work with. They are like a family to me. I also think our students are the best, and I am so lucky to teach at RES.”