Henrico’s Top Teachers – Iesha Lee, John Rolfe Middle School, school counselor

As a native of the rural part of the Virginia, Iesha Lee recalled that mental health was not something that people thought about when she was growing up. What may have been a hardship then gives her the passion that she needs to serve as a school counselor at John Rolfe Middle School today.

“I was immediately drawn to schools and especially underserved populations, making sure that they have all they need,” she said. “The academic piece and also the socio-emotional [piece] look different sometimes in my schools.”

But she doesn't think her work is extraordinary.

“I'm just the first generation small town girl who's trying to make a difference in education for our kids,” Lee said. “Specifically the ones who may not have that support outside of school.”

Her motivations tell a different story.

The most gratifying part of being a school counselor, Lee said, is seeing her students succeed. One of her former students – with whom she is still in touch to this day – had a particularly difficult home life and did not always think that she was going to be able to go to college. After Lee worked with her to help her obtain numerous scholarships, that student went on to become a teacher to pay Lee’s hard work forward.

It isn’t just the big successes, though.

“When I get to see my students really exercise the skills that we've been working on, that means so, so much to me,” Lee said. “Whether it be [a student] coming out of their shell or like seeking assistance before a conflict arises, those are the things I would say that makes me realize this is all worth it.”

Lee’s efforts do not go unnoticed. As one nominator described, she supports her students however she can.

“She goes above and beyond to help us with her support and always makes sure that we are taken care of,” the nominator said. “She works very hard. And she is by far the best school counselor that we have ever had and she absolutely stands out at the school.”

But she is not working to get recognition – instead, she just wants to make sure that students are comfortable at school even when things get tough at home.

“Sometimes our students don't always have that support at home,” Lee said. “School is their safe haven sometimes. It's really nice to see them grow within themselves within the building.”