When Heidi Leventhal first considered joining YES Prep, she was searching for something familiar, not in structure, but in spirit.

At the time, changes within her former school district made her realize she wanted to continue teaching in a place where students and learning remained the priority. A longtime colleague and friend, Lara Heiberg, often spoke to her about YES Prep and described it as having a strong sense of community and family.

That sense of purpose stayed with Heidi from the very beginning.

“What initially drew me to YES Prep was that things in my old district were changing, and it no longer felt like the place where I wanted to continue teaching,” she shared. “Teaching has always been a passion of mine, so I wanted to be in an environment where students and their learning were truly the priority.”

What began as a career move soon became something much deeper.

“I realized YES Prep was more than just a job when I experienced that sense of community firsthand,” she said. “It became clear that the people here genuinely cared about one another and were deeply committed to doing what was best for students.”

That shared commitment would shape a career defined by innovation, relationships, and a lasting impact on generations of YES Prep students.

Opening Doors Through Computer Science

During her time at YES Prep, Heidi wore many hats while remaining grounded in her role as a full-time teacher.

She served as a Co-Grade Level Chair, Data Czar, Co-Testing Coordinator, Course Facilitator for Computer Science, and Curriculum Writer for Fundamentals of Computer Science. Yet through every role, one thing remained constant: her passion for teaching.

“Teaching had the greatest impact on me because it gave me the opportunity to open the minds of young people,” she shared.

As computer science education expanded across YES Prep, Heidi became one of the educators helping students discover a field many had never imagined for themselves.

“My goal was always to give them a space to explore something new, broaden their horizons, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had,” she said.

For many students, Heidi’s classroom became their first introduction to coding, programming, and problem-solving in technology. What started as curiosity often turned into confidence — and for some, even future careers.

“Knowing that many of them went on to choose careers in computer science after taking my course is one of the greatest impacts I could hope for,” she reflected.

Over the years, Heidi helped strengthen and grow YES Prep’s computer science program, creating opportunities for students to gain skills that could change the trajectory of their futures.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Some of Heidi’s most meaningful memories happened outside the traditional classroom setting.

She recalls taking students on community cleanup projects, visiting places like Project Row Houses, and watching students connect with the world around them in deeper ways.

“Seeing students connect with their community in meaningful ways always stood out to me,” she said.

College spring trips became another defining part of her experience at YES Prep.

Watching students step onto college campuses, imagine themselves in new environments, and begin to envision futures beyond what once felt possible became moments she treasured deeply.

“It showed a different side of them, more curious, independent, and hopeful,” she shared.

Still, some of her most unforgettable memories came from moments of vulnerability and growth.

One experience that stayed with her involved an overnight trip with YES Prep’s first graduating class. During the trip, students participated in high ropes courses and zip lines, activities that pushed many beyond their comfort zones.

Heidi admitted she has always been afraid of heights. One student, Jasmine Smith, was equally hesitant to attempt the ropes course. Together, they decided to face the challenge side by side.

“I convinced her that we could try it together,” Heidi recalled. “I’ll never forget the excitement and relief we both felt when we made it through the course.”

For Heidi, moments like that reflected the heart of education: growth happening together.

Students Who Shaped the Journey

Throughout her career, Heidi says students continuously transformed the way she taught and led.

“I’ve grown as an educator and leader by continuously learning from my students and allowing their perspectives to shape the way I teach,” she shared.

She watched shy students become confident presenters. She witnessed students persevere through challenges and discover talents they did not know they possessed. And time after time, she experienced the rewarding moment every educator hopes for: the instant understanding finally clicks.

“Seeing the ‘lightbulb’ go off when a concept finally clicks reminds me why I teach,” she said.

Some of her favorite memories involve early computer science students from the classes of 2014 and 2015, who regularly spent their lunch periods in her classroom passionately debating coding strategies and problem-solving approaches.

“Their discussions were engaging, intense, and genuinely thought-provoking,” she said. “In many ways, they taught each other through those debates.”

Those experiences reinforced her belief that classrooms are not simply places where information is delivered, but spaces where students learn to think critically, collaborate, and believe in their own potential.

A Legacy Built on People and Purpose

When reflecting on what kept her at YES Prep for so many years, Heidi’s answer is simple: the people.

“What kept me committed to YES Prep for so many years was the people and the purpose,” she shared. “I had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who were genuinely committed to doing right by students.”

She credits several individuals with shaping her journey, including her family, who supported her throughout her career, along with Lara Heiberg, whom she affectionately calls her “work wife” for bringing her to YES Prep and supporting her through difficult moments.

She also reflects on the influence of Marilyn Spears, the college professor who first helped her realize teaching was her calling, and Steve Amstutz, a former principal at Lee High School who modeled what a true teaching community could look like.

Another major influence was Joehan Beard, her co-testing coordinator and Director of Instruction, who continually pushed her to grow as an educator.

“Each of these people helped shape not just my career, but the educator and leader I became,” Heidi shared.

Looking Ahead While Continuing to Teach

As Heidi enters retirement, she is excited for the opportunity to slow down in some ways while continuing to do the work she loves in others.

“I’m most excited about having the time and freedom to explore new hobbies, spend more time with my grandchildren, and travel,” she said.

But retirement will not mean stepping away from education completely.

“At the same time, I love that I’ll still have the opportunity to teach students part-time,” she shared. “It feels like the perfect balance.”

For current YES Prep educators, her advice reflects the resilience required in teaching.

“Every day is a new day,” she said. “Even when you’re having a tough day or feel like you’re not making the impact you hoped for, remember that tomorrow brings a fresh start.”

As YES Prep celebrates Heidi Leventhal’s retirement, her impact lives on in the countless students she encouraged, the programs she helped build, and the futures she helped shape through curiosity, confidence, and opportunity.