When you talk with Oakside Prep Academy teacher Leann Swan, you immediately notice a quiet steadiness, a spark of humor, and a love for early learners that has kept her right where she was meant to be for 26 years, at National Heritage Academies (NHA®).
As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Leann’s story is a reminder of what makes NHA successful: dedicated educators, joyful classrooms, and students who feel seen from the moment they walk through the door.
Finding Her First Classroom Home
Fresh out of Western Michigan University and eager to teach, Leann landed at Burton Glen Charter Academy thanks to a friend’s suggestion that she apply.
“I got hired as a first-grade teacher, and it felt like everything just clicked,” she said.
Those first steps turned into a decade in first grade, followed by a move into kindergarten and eventually Young 5s. Over her 18 years at Burton Glen, Leann toggled between these early grades, building a deep understanding of how children learn, grow, and discover their confidence. When she moved to Oakside Prep Academy in 2017, she continued teaching with the same enthusiasm.
“I love the little ones,” she laughed. “They’re sponges. They soak in everything.”
A Champion for Early Learners
Leann’s passion lives in the basics: letters, numbers, sounds, and stories. The everyday moments that build a child’s foundation.
She lights up when she talks about watching students arrive knowing almost nothing about reading, then leave recognizing sounds, counting to 100, and even reading beginner books.
“It never gets old,” she said. “They come in tiny, and every day something new clicks.”
Her love for NHA’s curriculum shines through as well. She appreciates how strong phonics instruction, and the Number Corner program help young students build skills that matter.
“It reminds me of the old programs that really focused on sounds and foundations. Kids pick it up so quickly. And they enjoy it.”
Creating Memories That Last
Across 26 years, Leann has stacked up more traditions and memories than she can count:
But it’s the quiet, everyday moments that stay with her most.
“Seeing former students come back and say hi, that’s the reward,” she said. “Some of my first graders are in their 30s now. It’s wild to think about how many lives you touch.”
By her quick math, she’s taught more than 500 students and influenced hundreds more through her constant presence in their school community.
Why She Stayed for 26 Years
For Leann, the reason is simple:
“The kids. And my coworkers. Every team I’ve been on has been wonderful. That’s what keeps you here.”
She also sees something special in how NHA supports teachers with strong curriculum, solid resources, and teams built with care.
“The deans do a great job placing people on teams where they fit. It matters.”
Looking Ahead
Leann is still energized by the students who walk in each morning, the teams she works with, and the mission she supports.
Asked what she hopes NHA continues into the next 30 years, she didn’t hesitate:
“Keep working on great curriculum and keep partnering with parents. Some families need extra support and helping them helps the kids.”
Leann Swan has woven herself into the story of NHA and her work reflects the heart of our mission.
Congratulations, Leann, for 26 years!
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About Burton Glen Charter Academy
Burton Glen Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Burton, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Burton Glen Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.