Language Arts Leigha Philips

My name is Leigha Philips and I spent the first thirteen years of my teaching career at Des Moines Roosevelt High School. This is my first year at Centennial (2023), and I’m very excited because my three kids are in the district and will eventually be at Centennial.  I have a 7th grader, 2nd grader, and kindergartener.  I grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa and attended Drake University for my undergrad. I have a bachelor’s in English and a bachelor’s in Education. I also have a master’s degree in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.  I am passionate about relationships with students, making learning engaging and challenging, and bringing laughter to the classroom.  I have taught a variety of English courses over the years, ranging from English I, II, III, and IV; AP Language and Composition and Contemporary Literature.  I also adjunct Education courses for Drake University throughout the school year.
Outside of school, my family enjoys being outdoors, running around to various activities (dance, cross country, marital arts), and being creative.  We also have a 17-month-old puppy named Waffles– she is an English Bulldog and Chow Chow mix.  I am thrilled to teach in the same community in which I live, and to serve your families and students well.