Letitia Lee, Director of Licensure, has been named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2025 Central Office Employee of the Year. Lee joined the JCPS family in 2017 as a licensure specialist. A native of Johnston County, she graduated from South Johnston High and received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Campbell University.
Before joining JCPS, Lee spent 16 years working at her family’s newspaper business. The business, which had been in her family since the 1950s, at one point included the Four Oaks News, the Benson Review, and The Clayton News and Star. Her parents decided to retire, and with the decline in print media, Lee decided to take a different path. “I’m gonna have a new adventure,” she said.
Unsure of what the future held, Lee got a call from a friend, who also happened to be an assistant principal with the school district, who informed her about a licensure specialist position because they thought she would be a good fit. She was offered the job and was partnered with the Director of Licensure at that time, Andrea Evans, a 25-year veteran in the field. She became Lee’s mentor, teaching her everything that Evans had learned in her tenure with JCPS. “Mrs. Evans was instrumental. If I had anyone else, I don’t know that I would be where I am today,” Lee said.
In addition to the vast knowledge that Mrs. Evans bestowed upon Lee, she found out that the State of North Carolina offers anyone new in licensure no-cost training and professional development opportunities throughout the year. They include lunch and learns and meetings to learn about new state board policies. Even now, Lee has monthly Human Resource and licensure webinars.
As part of the Human Resources Department, Lee and her team work closely with teachers, ensuring they obtain and maintain necessary licenses and permits. This involves reviewing applications, verifying information, communicating with applicants, and acting as liaisons between the applicants and regulatory agencies.
The licensure team also assists with licensing requirements and tracks deadlines for renewals. Beginning teachers receive a step-by-step schedule of due dates and paperwork that is required. “It eases anxieties for those in the classroom so the teachers don’t have to worry and can focus on the children,” she remarked.
Lee’s work is not limited to teachers. She is a point of reference for all employees in JCPS throughout their careers, from beginning to end. That includes current employees, former employees, and those who want to be a part of the school district. “I help them just as much as the next person,” she said. As part of her role, Lee interacts with tens of thousands of people, and the running theme that she hears is how JCPS feels like a family, and they are not treated like a number. During her interactions, Lee creates a welcoming atmosphere to let them know they are part of the team and make them feel valued.
During the last eight years with the school district, Lee has come to understand that what she does is helpful and impactful, and that keeps her motivated. “At my core, I am a helper, not a leader. I want to help people and aim to make their jobs easier,” she remarked.
Lee receives the most satisfaction when alternative license educators - meaning they have come from a career outside of education, yet feel called to be an educator - earn their degree. The three-year commitment required to earn a teaching degree comes with a lot of sacrifice, and shows that they truly want to be a teacher. “I love it when they come to me and say, ‘I’m done, and I’m ready,’” she stated. Another source of joy for Lee is when she receives paperwork to process for a teacher assistant who has become a teacher.
A reluctant and humble leader, Lee credits each of her colleagues in the Human Resources Department for their efforts in creating an enjoyable experience for all JCPS employees. “Our team is phenomenal, and everyone on the HR team is supportive,” she said.
Lee has been recognized for her excellence on several occasions. In 2022 she was a recipient of the JCPS Leading with the Heart Award for her passion and influence. She has also been recognized by the Board of Education as a Certified Employee of the Month.
Being named the 2025 Central Office Employee of the Year is significant for Lee, both professionally and personally. The recognition reinforces that although some days are hard, her “why” is worth it. The award serves as an inspiration to continue finding new ways to enhance the experience for anyone who contacts the licensure office. Lee remains dedicated to attracting highly qualified candidates to JCPS and matching them with positions where they can thrive. “What we’ve done so far is great, but we need to keep going,” she said.