Leaf named Dover Educator of the Year

DOVER — The Dover Middle School gymnasium was the planned location of several school events Wednesday, and one very special surprise for teacher Jeff Leaf.

In greeting the more than 1,100 students, Principal Kim Lyndes announced the recipient of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s Dover Educator of the Year award.

As Jeanne Supple of sponsoring organization Measured Progress described some of the attributes of the honor, an unknowing Leaf listened and upon hearing a description of taking Dover Middle School music students to Broadway he realized “she was talking about me.”

“I was shocked,” he said.

As the beloved music teacher’s name was announced, the audience broke into a standing ovation and then a chant “Mr. Leaf, Mr. Leaf.”

The award has been given by the Dover chamber for many years using nominations from the community for an individual “who has made a positive contribution to the community, uses innovative methods to facilitate learning inside or outside the classroom and has taken a leadership role in professional development and inspired a cooperative working relationship with his/her colleagues.”

In his letter of nomination, Michael Blanchette, of the Dover Chamber board of directors and Dover Middle School parent of three children, all of whom have been under Leaf’s drama tutelage, said, “Mr. Leaf is a gift to the Dover community and is a dedicated, compassionate teacher who has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students.”

Leaf’s parents, Roger and Carolyn, were in attendance to his surprise, which still gave him no inkling of the forthcoming award.

“We have known about this for a week,” Carolyn said. “It was difficult keeping the secret.”

“He has been a wonderful son,” added Roger, “always so kind and hard working.”

Kindness is a word often associated with Leaf. He is also known for spending much time with the children in after-school drama pursuits that require a substantial amount of focus by the students and instructor.

Jennifer Peterson has been Leaf’s long-time choreographer for school’s musical productions, and refers to that time as “the best 11 years of my life.” While she was congratulating him, he responded “I’m just a cog in the machine.” “No you are not,” she said. “You are the whole machine.”

Dover Middle School music teacher David Tromba described Leaf as “the pied piper of kids.”

Several of Leaf’s current and past drama students commented on his mentorship and inspiration. Eighth-grader Grace Blanchette has participated in Leaf’s school productions and summer courses presented by the Dover Recreation Department.

“He gives really good inspiration,” Grace said, “and is always willing to help.”

Taylor Sprague is a 2019 graduate of Dover High School and has been impacted by Jeff Leaf several ways.

“He has been my inspiration since he was my music teacher in kindergarten,” Sprague said. “He gave me three of the best years of my life in Dover Middle School Drama Club. He is so encouraging to every single child he interacts with, and never raises his voice, even when warranted.”

Sprague went on to Dover High School Drama Club and continued to help Dover Middle School’s productions in a variety of ways.

“Jeff Leaf has shaped me into the person (and actress) I am today,” he said.

Indy Wormstead, a local actor referred to Leaf as “sparking the flame that turned me into the person and actor that I am today.”

Recent Dover High graduate Jacey Rogers spent her middle school years under Leaf’s guidance and continued in high school while returning to help with his productions.

Rogers shared how she met Leaf in fifth grade and how he “put magic in my eyes” as she saw how he worked on productions of more than 100 students giving them self-advocacy, independence and confidence. She watched “kids grow into something they never knew they could be, and the one to thank was Mr. Leaf.”