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Media & Video

Georgia Teacher of the Year Feature: Relationships, Purpose, and Classroom Confidence

In this Georgia Teacher of the Year feature, Ernie Lee reflects on the power of relationships, purpose, and presence in the classroom. Drawing from his experience as an educator, speaker, and advocate for students, Ernie shares the values that shaped his teaching career and continue to guide his work with schools, teachers, and communities today.


Lawyer Turned Educator

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

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 Education Change

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.

Windsor’s Star Teacher

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.”

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