Who is Ernie Lee and why does it matter?
Who is Ernie Lee and Classroom Counsel?
Ernie Lee holds a BA in Psychology from Mercer University and a Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. After a distinguished 20-year career in law, he made the transition to education, teaching in the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools system. In 2016, Mr. Lee was named Georgia Teacher of the Year, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field of education.
Honored on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives
In a proud moment for Georgia educators, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter formally recognized Ernie Lee, the 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. This national acknowledgment highlights Ernie’s exceptional contributions to public education and his dedication to empowering students and supporting fellow teachers across the state.
“I walked away from a legal career because I wanted to make a different kind of impact.” Listen to Ernie Lee, Georgia’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, as he reveals how he reignited his teaching passion—and why educators can still do meaningful work even after burnout sets in.
In Episode 30 of “Mr. Bryan’s Classroom”, Georgia’s 2016 Teacher of the Year Ernie Lee shares a powerful story about life, purpose, and impact. After a successful career as a lawyer, Ernie left the courtroom behind to pursue his true calling: teaching.
In this 17-minute episode, Ernie discusses:
- His decision to leave the legal profession and begin a second-career in education
- Practical strategies that helped him reconnect with his passion and thrive in the classroom
- Motivation and insights for educators who may be feeling burnt out or stuck
From Law to Classroom: A Teacher's Second Act
This compelling Teacher Feature by WJCL News profiles Ernie Lee, a former attorney turned passionate educator at Savannah Arts Academy. The video captures how teaching became his true calling—and why it matters so deeply.
In this feature, you'll learn:
- How Ernie transitioned from a 20-year law career (including overcoming bankruptcy) and chose to start fresh as a teacher at age 50.
- What it’s like teaching at Savannah Arts Academy—an institution whose students apply and maintain strong academic performance—and why that environment energizes his work.
- His philosophy: “I don’t want to teach them what to think, I want to teach them how to think.” He emphasizes life skills in sociology and psychology that prepare students for lasting success beyond graduation.
Leading Change Through Education & Leadership
In this session hosted by the University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education, Ernie Lee, 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year, explores the role of complexity leadership in education. Drawing on his journey from practicing law to excelling in the classroom, Ernie shares:
- Why he pursued a graduate certificate in Complexity Leadership to strengthen educator leadership and system-wide impact
- How skills acquired outside of education—like law and curriculum development—inform his approach to teaching and advocacy
- Real-world lessons on building better learning environments, partnerships, and educator networks
This talk connects theory to practice, offering insights for anyone interested in leadership that adapts, empowers, and improves educational systems. Perfect for teachers, coaches, administrators, and future educational leaders.
“I traded in my law degree for a classroom because impact matters...” Hear Ernie Lee share why teaching became his calling—and how educators can lead change beyond test scores.
Watch Ernie Lee, former Georgia Teacher of the Year and behavioral sciences educator, reflect on his path from practicing law to becoming an impactful teacher in Savannah, Georgia. In this video:
- Ernie discusses what motivated him to leave a 20‑year legal career and dedicate himself to education
- He highlights how teachers can drive meaningful change in students’ lives and communities
- You'll hear about the values and experiences that shaped his approach to behavior science and classroom leadership
This heartfelt presentation underlines how experience, purpose, and dedication can make a difference in education—no matter where you start.
Who is Ernie Lee and Classroom Counsel?
“Serving as Georgia’s 2016 Teacher of the Year empowered me to advocate for educators statewide…”
Listen to Ernie Lee as he reflects on the collaboration, leadership, and legacy of the Georgia Partnership.
Teach Like Me – A Classroom Tour with Ernie Lee
In this inspiring video created for the 2017 Teach Like Me campaign, Ernie Lee invites viewers inside his high school classroom at Windsor Forest High in Savannah, Georgia. With original music licensed from Moby via mobygratis.com, the video showcases Ernie’s warm and engaging teaching environment as he:
- Offers a personal tour of his classroom setup
- Shares practical teaching strategies rooted in relationship-building and student engagement
- Encourages fellow educators to reflect on and refine their own teaching style
Created as part of a national campaign founded by Shawn Sheehan, the 2016 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Teach Like Me celebrates passionate educators making a difference every day. Ernie’s message is clear: great teaching isn’t about imitation—it’s about authenticity, preparation, and connection.
Flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels – It’s Great to Be a Teacher Part 1 of 2
A Unique Experience with 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Ernie Lee
In this inspiring and one-of-a-kind video, Ernie Lee, 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year and founder of Classroom Counsel, takes to the skies with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as a selected Key Influencer.
Filmed at the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport on March 22, 2017, the 34-minute film captures the behind-the-scenes training, safety protocols, and flight preparation provided by Aircraft Structural Mechanic Second Class Arthur Stockpole, USN, leading up to a breathtaking ride in an F/A-18 Hornet piloted by Lt. Brandon Hempler, USN.
Through this unforgettable opportunity, Ernie highlights not only the professionalism and pride of the Navy and Marine Corps, but also the unexpected doors that a career in teaching can open.
“You should consider becoming a teacher—you never know the heights you will reach.”
Flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels – It’s Great to Be a Teacher Part 2 of 2
Watch the full video to see how excellence in education connects with service, leadership, and national pride.
Interested in a career in aviation? Visit www.navy.com or www.marines.com.
Interested in making a difference as an educator? Explore how Classroom Counsel can help you take flight in your teaching career.
Celebrating Excellence: Ernie Lee Recognized as Windsor Forest High School Teacher of the Year
Join us in reliving a defining moment for educator leadership. In this heartfelt video, Ernie Lee—later named the 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year—reflects on his early years teaching at Windsor Forest High School. Through storytelling and classroom insight, he illustrates how his background outside education shaped his approach: bringing relevance, authenticity, and student-centered learning into the history and civics classroom.
What You’ll See:
- Ernie’s journey into the classroom and the meaningful connections he built with students
- How real-world experience informs his educational philosophy and drives engagement
- The beginnings of a leadership path that would lead to statewide recognition as a top educator
This video captures the spirit behind Classroom Counsel—showcasing how dedication to student growth and thoughtful strategy create transformative learning environments.
Back-to-School with Ernie Lee: A Look Inside the Classroom- This video captures Ernie’s commitment to readiness, relationships, and respect for the work of teaching—core values that now drive his mission through Classroom Counsel to support new and second-career educators.
As thousands of students return to school in Chatham County, WSAV News visits Windsor Forest High School to spotlight Ernie Lee, the 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year and founder of Classroom Counsel. In this brief feature, Ernie shares his thoughtful approach to preparing for a new school year—and the mindset that keeps him and his students motivated.
What You’ll See in the Video:
- Ernie reflecting on the excitement of 11th and 12th graders preparing for their future
- A behind-the-scenes look at classroom setup and planning during summer break
- How his journey from lawyer to educator—culminating in a White House visit—adds “street credibility” with students
This video captures Ernie’s commitment to readiness, relationships, and respect for the work of teaching—core values that now drive his mission through Classroom Counsel to support new and second-career educators.
Welcome to Classroom Counsel
Welcome! Check out what Classroom Counsel can do to assist you in classroom management!