MBMS Science teacher Leonard selected as district’s teacher of the year

MBMS science teacher Daniel “Niel” Leonard was chosen as MBUSD’s 2023 Teacher of the year. His hands-on teaching style has earned him the respect of both the district and his students, and he hopes to keep inspiring students in the years to come. Courtesy of MBMS

Seth I. Pickens

Features Editor

On Mar. 24, Manhattan Beach School District(MBUSD) honored Manhattan Beach Middle School science teacher Daniel Leonard with their 2023 teacher of the year award.

According to Leonard, he first developed his passion for teaching in high school, when he taught swimming lessons as a lifeguard. Following his graduation from UC Irvine, he realized that he wanted to have a career in teaching.

“After graduating, I realized that my passion and love was the teaching portion,” Leonard said. “In teaching science, I am able to pursue both my passions of education and science. My favorite teacher of all time was my 4th grade teacher who is my Mom. I saw what a transformational teacher she was and to this date strive to be the type of instrumental teacher she was to so many.”

Leonard’s goal to be as inspiring as his mother has come to fruition. The students he taught at MBMS have gone on to Costa and taken the experiences he gave with them. According to sophomore Logan Dugdale, Leonard’s hands-on teaching style made him one of his favorite teachers.

“He was one of my favorite teachers,” Dugdale said. “He liked to have the students interact with each other, and he was very relatable because he was a younger teacher. Even [during online schooling], he had us do interactive projects on flipgrid.”

Leonard’s teaching style originated from his desire to have an interesting class for students. He says that he wants his students to be able to be immersed in the subject and have thorough discussions with their classmates.

“My teaching style is hands-on and fluid,” Leonard said. “I love to see students explore, create, and imagine. I get so excited seeing students see theory come to life in experiments. When students are able to teach each other and share at home what we are learning, I succeeded as a teacher. I love to change and innovate to make sure I am maximizing student success.”

MBMS has given Leonard a unique experience as a teacher. At other schools he felt overburdened with extra duties, a lack of materials, and minimal contact with parents. According to Leonard, he considers himself fortunate to work at MBUSD .

“At MBMS, the parental support I receive is amazing,” Leonard said. “I see education as a true partnership with families and students. The whole team at MBMS-Administration, teachers, and aides work to support students. I am so grateful to have found such an amazing position at the best school I have ever worked at in my career.”

Leonard views his job as a way to give back to the community. He believes that bringing up the next generation of leaders is an important job, and wants to foster students that are confident in whatever field they enter.

“My teaching goals for the future are to continue to inspire and be inspired by students,” Leonard said. “I want students to feel empowered and be the next leaders in what they choose their career paths to be. I want to continue to innovate and do the best job I can at MBMS. I want to be able to pay back the community that gives so much. ”