Kindergarten is where many students first begin to see themselves as learners. It is where they build confidence, creativity and the foundation they will carry into the years ahead. This month, AQS Asset Management is proud to recognize Neka Leeson, a kindergarten teacher at Coolidge Elementary, as our September 2026 Teacher of the Month. Neka’s path to teaching was shaped by the teachers who made a difference in her own life.

Neka Leeson is the September 2026 AQS Teacher of the Month

“I was blessed with an amazing kindergarten teacher and many exceptional teachers after her throughout my school career,” Neka said. That early experience helped inspire her to become the kind of teacher who can make the same lasting impact on her students. For Neka, some of the best classroom moments come from seeing students create, imagine and take pride in their work. One of her favorite traditions is the annual diorama project. “Every year we create dioramas, and it is always a joy to see what the kids create,” she said.

Neka Leeson Describes How Certain Moments Matter

Projects like these give young students a chance to think creatively, solve problems and show what they have learned in their own way. At the kindergarten level, those moments matter. They help students build confidence and see that their ideas have value. Neka’s greatest challenge is making sure every student has the support they need to succeed, including students with disabilities and students learning English as a second language.

“Supporting students with disabilities or students learning English as a second language so that all my students reach their highest potential,” Neka said. That is the heart of great teaching. Every student learns differently. Every classroom has different needs. Teachers like Neka work every day to meet students where they are, help them grow and give them the tools to keep moving forward.

Nominate a Teacher for AQS Teacher of the Month

At AQS, we believe teachers are some of the most committed people in our communities. They bring patience, creativity, and heart into their classrooms. They give up evenings and weekends. They spend their own money. They keep showing up, even when the job asks too much, and thanks them too little. Their reward is often internal, knowing they helped a child understand something, believe in themselves, or discover a little more of what they are capable of. Our Teacher of the Month series is one small way we recognize outstanding educators and help support the work they do. Congratulations, Neka Leeson! Thank you for helping young students feel supported, think creatively and reach their highest potential. Know a teacher who deserves support for their classroom? Submit an AQS Teacher of the Month nomination here with their name, school, and a short note on why they should be recognized.