Rita Lesser

Rita Lesser has been with Perry-Lecompton High School for 33 years. She began her teaching career in 1986 after graduating from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational and Occupational Home Economics Education. She later recieved her Master's in Education from Baker University. Currently Mrs. Lesser teaches FACS classes at PLHS. This includes Consumer and Personal Finance, Human Growth and Development, Family Studies, Nutrition and Wellness, Culinary Essentials, Textiles and Design and Career and Community Connections. She also is the PLHS Career Coordinator, a member of the Building Leadership Team, and the sponsor of FCCLA.

Outside of teaching Mrs. Lesser has many hobbies including playing the piano, sewing, gardening and doing lawn work. She also likes taking walks with her husband, especially in warm weather. Her church is also a big piece of her life. She teaches Sunday School, plays piano, and is in charge of planning the community outreach projects for her church. Mrs. Lesser and her husband have 3 grown children who live out of the area and really enjoys getting to see them.

"I became a teacher for several reasons- First, I have a passion for the content areas I teach, so that just makes my career fun and enjoyable. Secondly, I love to work with others; it warms my heart to see learning "click" for students. Lastly I teach because I want to make this world a better place for everyone. It is my hope that my students become successful, productive citizens who have the desire to make a positive difference.

Throughout my childhood I enjoyed activities that were foundational to my content area, then in junior high I had a teacher recognize my passion for this content area. She encouraged me to pursue my likes, and even told me she thought I would make a good teacher. In addition to this seed being planted, I was influenced by the effectiveness of her teaching style. As I progressed through high school, I came to the realization that I wanted a career in which I could do the things that I love everyday, as well as to help make a difference in other peoples life. Thus, I wanted to become a Family and Consumer Science (known as Home Economics) teacher."

~Mrs. Lesser