Mr Leete Brings Fun to Learning
NEIRAD enilno edition
- Profile: Stephen Leete
- Hometown: Yokosuka Navy Base in Japan
- Education: UConn
- Birthday: January 15
- Family: Married with a six-year-old son named Carter
- Favorite Food: Sushi
- Favorite TV Show: “Top Chef"
- Favorite Movie: “The Godfather”
- Favorite Book: The Alienist by Caleb Carr
On a venture up to the third floor, you would expect to hear teachers speaking an array of different languages. Spanish, French, or Latin can be heard, but also on the third floor, a student might stumble across English teacher Mr. Stephen Leete. And although he may know some Japanese, Mr. Leete is not a member of the foreign language department; instead, Mr. Leete is the Alternate Learning Program (ALP) Coordinator. “ALP is a small, voluntary, regular-education program that offers smaller classes and a less formal learning environment,” Mr. Leete said.
In addition to Mr. Leete, Mr. Anthony Sweeney teaches ALP history, Ms. Lindsay Launer teaches part-time ALP math classes, Mr. Sean Otterspoor and Ms. Christine Leventhal teach ALP science classes and Coach Jeff Brameier teaches P.E. Mr. Leete has been working here at DHS for the past nine years, and has remained loyal to ALP every year. When asked what his favorite part of teaching was, Mr. Leete responded, “I chose to work here (in ALP), and just seeing kids get better is the best part.” Seeing as Mr Leete was not perfect throughout his school years, he decided to become a teacher to help those kids who were in the same situation as he was in when growing up.
Mr. Leete had quite the adventurous childhood. One would never guess that he grew up in Japan with two parents who worked for the CIA. Mr. Leete had no knowledge of his parents’ professions and his first reaction when he first found out was “that he had been lied to for 18 years!” He had never questioned his parents and never suspected anything because they always had good cover stories. “You must be a good liar for the CIA,” he joked. When asked what it was like growing up in Japan, Mr. Leete responded with, “it was a really safe place, and I could hang out wherever I wanted to.” He has never gone back to Japan since he moved, but says he would love to someday soon.
When Mr. Leete eventually moved back to the United States he attended the University of Connecticut. Following college, he held an interesting array of professions including restaurant manager and army drill sergeant, which he decided to stop when he got married. Oh, and add yearbook advisor to this diverse professional itinerary. Mr Leete and Ms Patricia Brooks are the faculty advisers responsible for making sure the Dariannus is published: "Mr. Leete is great because he's creative and fun to work with," yearbook editor Kelsey Ott said. His colleagues have simliar praise. “I really like working with Mr. Leete and the students are lucky to have him,” Mr Anthony Sweeney said.
Well, it seems as if Mr. Leete is better off here at DHS teaching students and making a difference in the lives of these kids. “Mr. Leete helps me prepare for my English tests, and always seems to make learning more fun,” junior Eric Simpson said. Fortunately, for Eric and the other ALP students, Mr. Leete demonstrates that learning and fun can go hand in hand.
