Officer Sara Shaw
1. How did you hear about L.E.A.D.?
I heard about L.E.A.D. from a fellow SRO. I wanted to stop teaching what I was teaching and transition to LEAD, but I wasn’t sure how to do that and have my community support it. When the Pandemic hit, it was the perfect opportunity to switch. I have been so pleased with the experience.
2. Why did you want to become a L.E.A.D. er?
I wanted to become a L.E.A.D.er because I love this curriculum. I tell other officers about it all the time. Being able to train officers to implement L.E.A.D. in their schools was the perfect fit.
3. What was your experience like becoming a L.E.A.D.er?
I honestly didn’t know what to expect; however, I knew the training would be excellent. Communicating with Kim and the team made my decision to attend the training much more exciting.
4. What would you tell someone who’s considering having the L.E.A.D. “Too Good for Drugs” program in their school?
DO IT! Every grade level has an excellent curriculum that will engage your students. The curriculum is fun to teach, the games are fun to play, and the conversations that start with your students will be amazing! It’s a positive way to connect with kids and have tough conversations they might not otherwise have.
5. Is there anything else you’d like others to know about L.E.A.D.?
L.E.A.D. is an organization that honors the relationships built with kids, officers, and school staff. The curriculum is updated often and is relevant and appropriate for the students in each grade level. Every detail has been thought out, practiced, and tweaked whenever needed so the final product is polished and easy to present. Not to mention, this curriculum is very affordable.
6. How long have you been working with L.E.A.D.?
I have been a L.E.A.D. instructor for three years and completed my L.E.A.D.er training in September 2023.
7. What impact did you see after teaching in the classroom?
My students are more engaged during my class visits. They love the games and ask to play them all the time. The workbooks are easy to follow, and the activities build upon each other throughout the lesson, making the lesson stick in their minds. Students are more likely to approach me in the hallways to discuss what they learned in class or to say hello. The L.E.A.D. curriculum creates a positive environment for learning, and the kids feel that.
8. What is your favorite thing about teaching the kids?
I love watching the kids play the games and positively convince their classmates to do the right thing. When a student hears another student making a poor choice in the game, it is immediately addressed with positivity and confidence. They understand the lessons, and it’s exciting to see them carry on those skills through positive peer pressure.
Officer Danielle Chewning
- How did you hear about L.E.A.D.?
I attended a LEAD Training at the Florida Association of School Resource Officers
Conference in July 2020 and began teaching the Tood Good for Drugs curriculum that
fall.
- Why did you want to become a L.E.A.D. er?
To help the LEAD Organization promote the Too Good for Drugs curriculum
throughout the surrounding area of North Florida, the southeastern United States
and anywhere else I may be needed.
- What was your experience like becoming a L.E.A.D.er?
I absolutely loved training with the “Chosen 12” in Naples in September 2023.
Excited to promote the curriculum as a LEADer with my new colleagues.
- What would you tell someone who’s considering having the L.E.A.D. “Too
Good for Drugs” program in their school?
Fantastic curriculum that begins with the core components every child needs to
become a productive and successful member of their school community. Each year
students are given a positive foundation to build upon – Setting Reachable Goals,
Making Responsible Decisions, Identifying and Managing Emotions, Effective
Communication, Bonding and Relationships.
- Is there anything else you’d like others to know about L.E.A.D.?
Amazing Organization that treats you as FAMILY!!!
- How long have you been working with L.E.A.D.?
I have been teaching the Too Good for Drugs Curriculum through the LEAD
Organization since September 2020.
- What impact did you see after teaching in the classroom?
Seeing the positive behavior patterns with the students that I taught.
- What is your favorite thing about teaching the kids?
Being able to build a relationship with the students while fostering their learning of
the core components needed to build a firm foundation in life.
Deputy Brandon Depew
How did you hear about L.E.A.D.?
I remember receiving a fax at our department about a local training for L.E.A.D. It came during a time we were considering a change to our current program and decided to sign up and see what L.E.A.D. was all about.
Why did you want to become a L.E.A.D. er?
I was at our annual Kansas Juvenile Officers Association conference talking with a fellow attendee about prevention programs and how happy our students and our agency has been with L.E.A.D. They asked about upcoming trainings in our area and I didn’t see any and I knew the L.E.A.D.er I had trained under was swamped at his agency so I looked into becoming a L.E.A.D.er myself to help grow the program.
What was your experience like becoming a L.E.A.D.er?
Absolutely amazing! With most trainings I have been to towards the end you are ready to go home, that was not the case with becoming a L.E.A.D.er you feel like those around you become family. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful at L.E.A.D. it made it hard to go home.
What would you tell someone who’s considering having the L.E.A.D. “Too Good for Drugs” program in their school?
Find schools around you that teach different prevention programs and sit in on their classes and watch and participate. See which program you like best. I know my wife, our children and myself enjoy playing the games as prep work for my upcoming classes. Heck if you are ever in Kansas and want to stop by and see one of our L.E.A.D. classes let me know!
How long have you been working with L.E.A.D.?
I just kicked off my 3rd school year with the L.E.A.D. program in 7 different schools.
What impact did you see after teaching in the classroom?
\My student LOVE this program. Every year when the program comes to an end the students all ask for more. More games, more skits, more lessons. I even have my kids from my first year asking to come sit in classes because they want to share their favorite lessons with the younger kids.
What is your favorite thing about teaching the kids?
Kids these days need a positive role model and frankly male role models at the elementary age are few and far between. Being someone that can laugh, have fun and educate our youth has made my job much more enjoyable.
Is there anything else you’d like others to know about L.E.A.D.?
L.E.A.D. is not just prevention, there is so much more from clothing recycling programs to L.E.A.D. FEST.
Patrol Officer Karleigh Cacciatore
1. How did you hear about L.E.A.D.?
I heard about L.E.A.D. through my police department. We have been teaching L.E.A.D. to our students for years, and when the time came, I was excited to join and get in the classroom.
2. Why did you want to become a L.E.A.D. er?
Since teaching in the classroom, I have come to love what L.E.A.D. stands for, and I thought there was no better way to give back than to share my passion for the program.
3. What was your experience like becoming a L.E.A.D.er?
Amazing, I met the most amazing people and learned so much in such a short amount of time.
4. What would you tell someone who’s considering having the L.E.A.D. “Too Good for Drugs” program in their school?
Do it, you won’t regret it. It’s such an impactful and interactive program. The students you teach have so much fun they don’t even realize they are learning lifelong skills.
5. Is there anything else you’d like others to know about L.E.A.D.?
L.E.A.D. is more than teaching students about the harmful effects of drugs. L.E.A.D. teaches students skills that will help them in the future and aid them in becoming independent and reliable adults.
6. How long have you been working with L.E.A.D.?
I started my journey with L.E.A.D. in 2019, so 4 years.
7. What impact did you see after teaching in the classroom?
I saw how the students interacted with each other differently. L.E.A.D. helped give the kids confidence and tools to make better decisions. I have had several parents come to me after having their child go through the program and they are always amazed about how much their child has learned.
8. What is your favorite thing about teaching the kids?
My favorite thing about teaching kids is how big of an impact you can have in a child’s life. I only spend a total of ten hours with them, spread out over ten weeks, and these kids soak up every minute. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a short period of time when the program is done right.
Officer Bryant Mosely
Q: Officer Mosely, how did you hear about L.E.A.D.?
Officer Mosely: I first heard about L.E.A.D at my police agency in Lagrange, GA.
Q: Why did you want to become a L.E.A.D. er?
Officer Mosely: I have always been a big advocate of being a bridge builder. This additional certification of being L.E.A.D.E.R allows me to not only empower officers to be the best instructors they can be but it equips me with further knowledge to instill into young men and women so that they can achieve greatness in their lives
Q: What was your experience like becoming an L.E.A.D.er?
Officer Mosely: I have enjoyed the experience thus far. The actual training was very focused and detailed. The organization of the training ensured that I, other q: officers, and social workers would be equipped to teach the material correctly.
Q: What would you tell someone who’s considering having the L.E.A.D. “Too Good for Drugs’ ‘ program in their school?
Officer Mosely: This program can be effective for your school, and work seamlessly with teaching interpersonal skills, how to deal with bullies, and of course building the students up to be able to say to no drugs.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like others to know about L.E.A.D.?
Officer Mosely: This program allows an opportunity to foster positive relationships with the youth and the community as a whole.
Q: How long have you been working with L.E.A.D.?
Officer Mosely: Almost two years now
Q: What impact did you see after teaching in the classroom?
Officer Mosely: The most notable impact that I observed was the change in the mindset of the kids. The students I taught came from various cultures and backgrounds. Most of them had not had a positive experience with law enforcement. Their perception of law enforcement was shaped by family dynamics and some of the negative things on social media. However, after getting to know me and seeing that I cared, I was able to build rapport and trust with the students and change their mindset.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching the kids?
Officer Mosely: As I have mentioned earlier, I strongly advocate being a bridge builder for the next generation. By being a consistent and positive presence in these kids’ lives through teaching L.E.A.D, we can help ensure that their quality of life is constantly improving. Ultimately, investing time in the kids should be a top priority, and witnessing their growth is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.