Congratulations to Ina Lee, our Certified Employee of the Month!
Ina Lee, Johnston County Public Schools’ October Certified Employee of the Month, is a dedicated educator and leader who consistently demonstrates her commitment to supporting students, colleagues, and families at McGee’s Crossroads Middle School. With 26 years of experience in education, Lee brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong focus on student success, and a passion for helping young people grow both academically and through extracurricular activities.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Lee serves as the school’s athletic director and eighth-grade hall lead. A former girls basketball coach, she continues to support student-athletes, coaches, and school activities, often working behind the scenes to coordinate events, address challenges, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Her leadership, mentorship, and willingness to help others make her a valued member of the school community.
Outside of school, Lee enjoys watching sports, especially women’s basketball, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Her dedication to education, athletics, and the people around her reflects her passion for making a positive difference, and Lee exemplifies the best of Johnston County Public Schools.
Why did you choose education as your profession? Was there someone or something that inspired you along the way?
Spending time with my sister, a middle school teacher, helped inspire me to become an educator. I enjoyed going on field trips with her and her students, and those experiences made me realize I wanted to have a positive impact on young people.
After college, I originally planned to become a physical therapist, but God had a different calling for my life. Looking back, I know that education was the right path for me.
What is one of the most important lessons your students have taught you?
One of the most important lessons my students have taught me is to appreciate the small victories. I have learned that success looks different for every student. Sometimes it is a good grade, but sometimes it is a student not giving up, showing growth, or believing in themselves.
My students have reminded me that progress is progress, no matter how small, and those moments are often the most rewarding part of being an educator.
What do you believe makes a strong connection between an educator and their students? How do you build those relationships?
I believe a strong connection between an educator and their students starts with trust and mutual respect. Students need to know you care about them, are fair, and will follow through on what you say.
I work to build those relationships by being consistent and holding them accountable for their actions. I believe students trust you when they know you're genuine. Students need to know that you care about them and want to see them succeed.
What is one classroom moment you will always remember? What made that experience meaningful to you?
One meaningful moment was when a group of 8th-grade girls I taught and coached in basketball made a video expressing how much they loved me and wanted me to coach them again.
It warmed my heart to know I had made such a positive impact on their lives and reminded me that the relationships we build with students can last long after they leave our classroom or team.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish or continue contributing to the field of education?
I hope to continue making a positive impact on students and helping them succeed both inside and outside the classroom. As a mentor, I want to share my experiences with other educators and support them in their growth.
What does Forward Together, Stronger Together, Excellence Always mean to you as an educator, and how will you put that message into practice in your classroom this school year?
To me, Forward Together, Stronger Together, Excellence Always means working together to help every student succeed. As educators, we are stronger when we support one another and work toward a common goal.
I will put this message into practice by building relationships with my students, encouraging them to support one another, and holding them accountable for doing their best.
I want my students to understand that success takes effort, teamwork, and a willingness to keep learning and growing.