Landsberry began working for the Washoe County School District in 2001. For four years, he taught history, math, and science at Trainer Middle School. He was also a teacher at Greenbrae Elementary School for a year in 2006, and in that same year, he started teaching math at Sparks Middle School. Throughout his tenure as a teacher, Landsberry coached middle school basketball, cross country, track, volleyball as well as high school soccer.[1]
On October 21, 2013, Jose Reyes opened fire on the school's campus with a 9mmsemiautomatic handgun and injured two students.[4] Landsberry told his students to find cover, telling them "Get to a safe place. Something really bad might happen." He then attempted to talk Reyes down, saying, "Put it down. It's not worth it." Reyes shot Landsberry in the chest before killing himself.[5]
Legacy
In 2013, the Reno Gazette-Journal recognized Landsberry by posthumously awarding him with the Citizen of the Year award. It is awarded based on nominations and submissions in 2013 were overwhelmingly for him.[6]
The Washoe Education Association started a scholarship named "The Michael Landsberry Memorial Scholarship". It is awarded to a high school senior who plans on attending a 2–4 year college or vocational school.[7]
During his concert in Incline Village, Billy Ray Cyrus presented a memorial plaque to Landsberry's widow, Sharon, on July 5, 2014.[8]
Landsberry is survived by his wife, Sharon Landsberry, along with his two stepdaughters.[2] In 2015, Sharon won a settlement of $100,000 from the Washoe County School District for the death of her husband. She also received $44,000 for the 148 sick days accrued by her husband.[9]