LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Betsy Lee was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

When Ms. Lee and her nominator first met a year and a half ago, she was an AP teacher who taught high-achieving students. The nominator was a math teacher who worked in a Title 1 high school with struggling students. They met Ms. Lee, liked her and put her in a category as the kind of teacher who had it made, like a football coach who has a ton of hard-working, naturally talented players. They were wrong. 

"This year, I was her inclusion teacher," the nominator said. "She had the same kind of class I had always taught in high school - a rainbow of abilities, desire, attitudes, and home lives. She also had two other third grade teachers as support, but both of them needed to leave for various reasons. Betsy had to pick up the slack and lead different long-term and short-term subs as we approached reading gate for the entire school."

During this time, Ms. Lee was also working on her National Board Certification. She never missed a day of work, was never unprepared, and never had a day when she did not step up for any teacher or student who was not able to do their best. She never wavers with her class and consistently holds her students to the highest expectations while making each student feel special, safe, and able.

"She had a special education student who didn't speak English and came to our school two months before the state test," the nominator said. "She had three students who lost loved ones during the school year. Betsy was the rock that kept their lives steady and on course while they and their families wavered from the losses they were facing."

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Lee includes her own children and other students to experience things they would not ordinarily get the opportunity to do. She even purchased a bed set for a student in foster care because the student was sleeping on the floor. Her compassion and professionalism affect each student who comes into contact with her.  

"Because of Betsy Lee, her students can all read, think, write, and interact appropriately, and are more than ready for fourth grade," the nominator said. "Without her presence, the school would be an entirely different place for both students and teachers. I am proud to work at Eastlawn and although the transition has been difficult, I am grateful for the amazing things I've learned while I've been there. Betsy Lee has taught this old math teacher more than anyone else for the last year, and many students will benefit from her work. I am forever grateful."