Miss Alabama 2011 Courtney Porter motivated the teacher filled crowd at Leeds Teacher Institute, saying, “Having a mom who was a kindergarten teacher, I can say everything I needed to know I learned from a kindergarten teacher.”

Igniting momentum to every school teacher’s year, faculty and staff throughout the Leeds City Schools came together for Teachers’ Institute.

“This is my favorite day of the school year,” said Leeds City Schools superintendent John J. Moore. “Where we all have the opportunity to come together as one.”

Leeds School Board president Kathy Dutton was also on hand to provide words of encouragement.

“I set many years where you’re sitting,” said Dutton. “You’re in a wonderful place. Leeds is on the move.”

Showing the teachers a video montage of last year’s school year, one still shot posed the question, “Why are you important to Leeds?”

Another clip answered, “You make a difference. Set an example, generate growth, inspire us, bring us together and prepare us for the future.”

House Representative for the forty-fifth district Dickie Drake shared how teachers will be impacted by the last legislative session.

“In Montgomery people know about this school system,” said Drake. “I’m extremely proud of the city and this school board.”

Sharing with the teacher filled crowd his gratitude for what they do, Drake told them help is on the way.

“When I asked what y’all needed, you told me classroom supplies,” said Drake. “I’m happy to report we’ve increased the amount of $134 to $300 for room needs.”

In the state of Alabama school boards throughout the state weren’t required to have a high school diploma.

“I find that ridiculous and I’m happy to tell you that is no longer the case,” said Drake. “You now have to have a high school diploma along with mandated training. School boards will have to have accountability.”

Looking forward to the upcoming school year, Drake thanked the teachers for what they do.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am in how you’re molding our kids,” said Drake. “We appreciate what you do. You do it well. Keep on doing what you do.”

Introducing the Teachers Institute keynote speaker, Moore shared the story of when he first met Courtney Porter.

“As a sixth grade teacher at Clay Chalkville, I had the pleasure of having Courtney as a student. She was one of those students where you just know they have a bright future ahead and you feel fortunate to play the tiniest role.”

Relaying her love for educators, Porter, Miss Alabama 2011, spoke on her greatest mentor.

“As the daughter of an educator I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you,” Porter said. “My mother was a Kindergarten teacher for 32 years. It takes a special person to be a kindergarten teacher.”

Encouraged by her mother to enter the Miss Clay Chalkville pageant to help pay for college, she later secured the title.

This led to her platform—tutoring at risk kids.

“It was such a blessing to cultivate those relationships and get to know those children,” said Porter.

Years later, landing the Miss Alabama title, Porter credited to things coming full circle.

“All of this happened because I had a mentor help show me where I needed to be,” Porter said. “Everything along the way prepares you for your ultimate goal.”

Striving to inspire the teachers, Porter shared a story from her experience in Moore’s sixth grade class.

“I kept feeling like I was forgetting something, then Mr. Moore said alright class put your books up and get ready for your test,” said Porter. “Oh that’s what I forgot.”

Relaying her story of how she only knew three answers to her Greek alphabet test, she shared what Moore’s response was to her ill preparedness.

“I wrote sorry with a smiley face hoping that would ease the situation, but he wrote Courtney…I did not see this coming. After all these years that has always stuck with me,” Porter said.

“I hope I have provided y’all with some motivation ‘cause I’m all about the motivation,” said Porter.

Leaving the crowd with a few more words of wisdom, she said, “It can only be said Leeds is a wonderful place. Just know these children will be blessed to be with you.”

Equipping the teachers with the proper tools for the school year, Moore said what they do is recognized and appreciated.

“Always remember, your students have to know you love them before they will listen,” Moore said. “Thank you for what you do. You make a difference.”