Meet Erin Lee!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Erin Lee!

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Erin.

Primary Role: Second Grade Homeroom Teacher

Pronouns: she/her

Years at GDS: This is my third year.
 

What do you love about GDS? I love the people that I work with.
I get to work with people who are very dedicated to the craft of teaching, and it pushes me to continue growing in the profession. 

Why do you do your job?
I want to provide a positive and nurturing foundation for children. Students spend the majority of their time at school, and it should be a place that not only prepares them academically, but also brings them joy. 

A favorite part of your job?
I love the assemblies at GDS. This is the first school I have worked at that has anything like assemblies. It is a time when the community can come together every week; they reset our shared values and strengthen our sense of community. 

Your work style in a few words?
I like to think that I am a creative problem solver. I enjoy the challenges of reaching students where they are. You can have the best curriculum available, but there are still students whose needs will not be met. That is where the teacher comes in to fill those gaps and make sure each student is supported and successful. A reason I like teaching so much is that it is never the same. Each year is different because each child brings their own set of needs. 

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
I hope that my students continue to find happiness in their lives and know that however they express themselves, they are enough. 

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
I am really interested in fitness and health. I enjoy hiking, weightlifting, and yoga. Other than that, I like to read. 

A few favorites…?

Favorite recipe: Curry chickpeas with kale and sweet potatoes
Favorite movie: the Harry Potter movies

Tell us about your family.
I have two children. My daughter is 12 and my son is 7. They keep me pretty busy with their activities and just trying to spend time with them as a family. 

Something on your life bucket list you have yet to accomplish?
I would love to see all the national parks. I also have a desire to write a book or two. I have so many ideas for books written down in my notes app. I really want to finally have them materialize.