Lucy Lee is Essex County Teacher of the Year

Lucy Lee, an accomplished Chinese teacher at Livingston High School, respected educational leader in the Livingston community, and strong national advocate for Chinese language education, has been named to represent Essex County in the annual Teacher of the Year program. 

Mrs. Lee has taught at LHS since 1990, where she teaches five different levels of Chinese.

“Her knowledge of the Chinese language and culture and of second language methodology is extensive,” said Principal Mark Stern. ”She is constantly examining and exploring different strategies to teach Chinese. Her thematic approach to teaching and her use of technology is positively embraced by her students.”
 
Mrs. Lee has also committed herself to promoting the Chinese culture within the township of Livingston. She advises the LHS chapter of the National Chinese Honor Society, the Chinese Cultural Club, and the Joy Luck Club. She also coordinates the Chinese New Year celebration in unison with the various Chinese associations. These events enjoy more than 1,000 in attendance and high-caliber performances.

Mrs. Lee is frequently asked to attend parent meetings where Chinese is spoken in the home to ensure that families have all the information they need to make decisions regarding their students’ education.
  

Nationally, Mrs. Lee has contributed considerably as a national leader to Chinese Language education, to international programs, and the development of national standards in the U.S. in Chinese Language.

Earlier this year, Livingston Public Schools recognized nine teachers as innovators and leaders for representing the mission of the District “to empower all to learn, create, contribute and grow.” (Meet all our teachers of the year by clicking here).  

Earlier in the school year, Mrs. Lee was the national finalist for Teacher of the Year, American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages nominated jointly by the Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey, the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and the Chinese Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools.
 
Mrs. Lee holds an Ed. S degree in Bilingual Education and Asian Studies, and Master in Education from the University of Texas. She has served as adjunct teacher educator at William Paterson and Rutgers University. She is also the AP Chinese Consultant for the College Board.

Mrs. Lee was selected to represent Livingston Public Schools at both the county level in the state Department of Education awards program, and within the community for this year’s Livingston Chamber of Commerce Award. She received that honor on May 1.

“Although Mrs. Lee has accomplished a great deal during her tenure at LHS, she remains a humble life-long learner,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Draeger said.