When Lee Anna Willett started teaching 22 years ago, she hoped to come home to work at Scott County School District 2. But, it was not until this year that Willett was able to make her dream a reality.
“It’s nice to come back home,” said Willett, who teaches fifth-grade at Lexington Elementary School. “I always wanted to be here. I couldn’t believe I made it.”
Willett’s roots at Scott 2 started long before she was born. Her mother was a graduate of Lexington High School in 1961, and her uncle played basketball for the LHS team in 1941.
“[My mother] was ecstatic about it,” Willett said about sharing the news with her mother regarding her new job at LES.
By the time it was Willett’s turn to follow in her family’s footsteps, LHS had long been consolidated into Scottsburg High School. While at SHS, Willett was a Majorette in the SHS Band of Warriors, a member of the SHS Student Council, and a basketball Homecoming Queen.
“I loved the band,” Willett said. “I loved high school.”
Willett graduated from SHS and started at Indiana University Bloomington. She received her teaching degree and was hired at Clarksville High School, working with students in the special education program. Further in her career, she taught at the elementary school level and worked with students in the special education program there as well. Her heart for the children she served pushed her to go back to receive more education, so she could earn her endorsement for emotional disabilities.
“I really liked working with kids who needed a little help,” Willett said. “I enjoyed special education in elementary. Giving individualized help was fulfilling to me.”
Then, in 2003 after earning a general education license, Willett changed her career. She started teaching third- and fourth-grade students at Clarksville until she saw an opening at LES.
“It was tough leaving Clarksville. I was there 22 years,” Willett said.
For Willett, LES was more than a new job opportunity. It was her family. It was her community.
“It’s kind of neat to come to an elementary where both my boys came to,” Willett said. “It’s a very family-oriented community. I know this from my boys being here.”
When Willett was hired, the position she filled was recently vacated by LES Principal Nick South, who was a classroom teacher at LES with 18 years of experience. At the beginning of the year in her new classroom, Willett received a note of encouragement from South.
“I can’t say how flattered I was to be offered a job here. I embraced the challenge,” Willett said.
At Scott County School District 2, Willett’s story is our story. Your story matters. You matter.