Celebrating National Principals Month: Dr. Leah Bleisath of Mountain Road ES!

October is National Principals Month! Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to support our mission of being the highest performing school district in Georgia.  

Mountain Road Elementary School Principal Dr. Leah Bleisath

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I grew up surrounded by educators, which greatly influenced my decision to become a teacher.  One pivotal moment came in seventh grade when Career Day consisted of me shadowing a teacher.  That experience sparked a deep interest in education and planted the seed for my desire to inspire others.   While in high school and college, I was also fortunate to volunteer at various CCSD events, such as the Science Olympiad.  These experiences further shaped my passion and confirmed my goal of making a difference in students' lives.  Becoming a teacher has allowed me not only to inspire but also empower young individuals to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Who was the most influential teacher in your life?
Narrowing it down to just one teacher who was the most influential is difficult because I was fortunate to have so many wonderful educators who helped shape me into the educator I am today.  In elementary school, I remember Mrs. Grass teaching through song, which made learning both fun and memorable.  I'm sure my fellow Mountain Road friends still remember the Greek alphabet by heart thanks to her.  In high school, Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Hannah from the fine arts department nurtured my love for music and performance while teaching me the value of discipline.  They opened doors to incredible opportunities, including those that took us abroad. 

What’s a favorite memory from your first year as a teacher?
Many of my favorite memories from my first year of teaching center around building relationships with my students.  One moment that stands out was our school-wide fundraiser for Special Olympics.  As part of the event, we had a dunk tank — and I was one of the willing targets!  It was so much fun watching the students line up, cheering each other on as they tried to dunk me.  The laughter, excitement, and camaraderie we shared that day made it truly unforgettable.  It was a perfect example of how school events can bring everyone together while supporting a great cause.

How did teaching prepare you to be a Principal?
Being a teacher has prepared me to be a Principal by giving me a strong foundation of curriculum implementation, relationship building, and problem-solving skills.  I've been able to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues, which has strengthened my ability to foster a positive school culture.  Additionally, the daily problem-solving required in teaching has developed my ability to think critically, stay flexible, and make informed decisions.  These experiences have equipped me with the practical knowledge and leadership mindset necessary to support students, teachers and lead a school community.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankAPrincipal