At the Idaho Middle Level Association Conference in Nampa, Idaho last weekend, Leslie Odenthal, 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at Woodland Middle School was honored as the Idaho Region 1 Middle Level Educator of the Year for 2024-2025 by the Idaho Middle Level Association (IMLA).
Leslie taught at Lakes Middle School for 21 years, Canfield Middle School for four years, and this is her third year at Woodland Middle School.
In the classroom, Leslie creates a true community of learning. She establishes an environment where students feel safe to explore, learn, and be vulnerable, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Her classroom is a space where every student knows they are valued, and their contributions matter.
Beyond her work with students, Leslie is a respected instructional leader among her peers. Her ability to guide and inspire others to improve their practice has made her a cornerstone of professional development in our district and a sought-after resource throughout Region 1. Whether through mentoring, or collaborative planning, Leslie’s influence is felt far and wide.
Leslie exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Her dedication to continuous improvement, her passion for education, and her unwavering focus on building relationships make her the epitome of excellence in middle-level education.
Congratulations, Leslie, on this well-deserved honor. Your commitment to the teaching profession and the positive impact you have on everyone around you inspire us all.
