Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education form partnership to implement LEE Program

Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education has partnered with Hamilton County Schools, The Maclellan Foundation, and The Tucker Foundation to create and implement a new program that will provide qualified teachers to work in Hamilton County Schools, which is experiencing a high need for educators. The LEE Program, or the Licensing Excellent Educators Program, will provide scholarships to participants via The Maclellan Foundation and The Tucker Foundation to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

According to an article on Lee University’s website, Dr. Justin Robertson, the Hamilton County Schools superintendent, was quoted as saying of the new partnership and resulting LEE Program, “The launch of the L.E.E. Fellows program is another step forward in helping us create opportunities for aspiring educators right here in our community. By partnering with Lee University and leveraging the generosity of the Maclellan and Tucker foundations, we’re removing financial barriers and opening doors for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives. We look forward to welcoming and supporting these educators.”

The LEE Program aims to help adults currently working in other careers make the switch to a career in teaching. The program will take 20 fellows per year, who will receive their teaching education from the Helen DeVos College of Education, which will lead them to earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lee University. They will also become licensed teachers. Hamilton County Schools will then place these newly trained and qualified individuals within classrooms throughout the district that are in need of more educators.

Individuals who are accepted into the program will be able to earn their Master of Arts in Teaching at no cost, thanks to scholarships provided by The Maclellan Foundation and The Tucker Foundation, in addition to more financial help from Lee University and Hamilton County Schools. As the participants will be employed by Hamilton County Schools throughout the duration of the 14-month program, they will also be receiving the salary and benefits of a teacher of the school system. 

Dr. Bill Estes, the dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education, said, “This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the critical need for highly skilled teachers in public schools. In the past decade we have developed a strong relationship with Hamilton County Schools and become a key asset in their teacher pipeline. Partnering with these leading foundations to fill a need and serve the Chattanooga community is a task we are excited to begin and are fully committed to supporting.”

For more information about Lee University, visit the school’s website.