We have lots of teachers featured as Lives in the Spotlights because...teachers matter. There's no other way to say it. Educators work their tails off to make a difference in the lives of the younger generations that make their way into the world. Early to rise and willing to burn the midnight oil for the students that they guide, educators matter because they believe that every life around them matters. Dave Lesich is one of many who gives his all for his students.
Lesich grew up in St. John, IN. He attended Lake Central High School and loved band. The oldest of three, he felt a sense of duty early on.
"I was a pretty good kid. My mom was able to stay home with us and as soon as I was able to be responsible I was given responsibilities. I started working when I was 16," Lesich said.
During school, Lesich struggled with certain subjects. Being a kid is tough, and when difficulties grasping ideas that come easy to other kids arise, it becomes more challenging. That's where teachers can make a huge difference. Lesich said that he had teachers that took an interest in him and didn't give up. This motivated him to pursue education when he attended college at Purdue Calumet.
"I always had really good teachers at my schools," Lesich said. "So I was very lucky. I went back to school for elementary education to make a difference. I knew I could relate to the kids as a struggling student."
Lesich did his student teaching at Kyle Elementary in Portage. His first job was at Lake Central with three maternity leaves in one year. This was great for him because he got to experience three different grades in one school year. After that, he moved to Elkhart with his wife so that she could be closer to her job. Lesich got a job out there but realized that his place was back in Portage.
"I got call about a job opening at Crisman. It was a 4th grade 5th grade split. I was there for eight years, then went to Kyle and taught 5th grade. The last two years have been at South Haven as principal," Lesich explained. "I enjoy teaching because I have contact with students. To watch a kid and see when they have the 'aha' moment - that was very important to me. Since I had teachers that helped me as a kids it was important to me to help my students. I want the kids to know I care and they can come to me anytime. Students from my first maternity leave still stay in contact with me."
As a principal, Lesich has a lot more to do, yet the essence is still the same. He looks after the students, faculty, and staff at South Haven and he has to look at things from what he called a "big world view". He will teach and guide each person that he comes into contact with and he relies on his staff to help him make things run smoothly.
"My staff is wonderful. They work to the bone here. I'm one of the first here in the morning and one of the last ones to leave. Portage gave me a chance to teach when no one else would," Lesich said. "I'm very dedicated to Portage. It's home. They are dedicated to the kids here. Portage is doing it the Portage way and that's the right way."
It's important to Lesich that he makes sure to have a work-life balance. His family is supportive of his job. He does his best to be part of the lives of his wife and two daughters. He's involved in his church, Suburban Bible Church in Highland, as the commander of Awanas, and he spends his free time with his family.
Being busy can wear a person down. Yet Lesich manages to keep an awesome attitude all the time. He attributes his positivity with an even-keel mindset.
"The important thing is to live your life. Don't worry about it, live it. Life will throw you a curve ball but you have to deal. If you find something you love, go with it. Don't do 'what ifs' because you'll never move forward," Lesich ended.