Members of the inaugural LEE Fellows cohort gather at the Helen DeVos College of Education during the Lunch & Learn event on Lee University’s campus
Lee University welcomed the inaugural cohort of LEE Fellows from Hamilton County Schools to campus for a special Lunch & Learn event hosted by the Helen DeVos College of Education.
“The launch of the LEE Fellows program, in partnership with Hamilton County Schools, represents a powerful investment in the future of education—where aspiring teachers are equipped, supported, and empowered to lead classrooms from day one,” said Dr. Shane Brown, director of teacher education at Lee University. “Together, we are building a pipeline of passionate, prepared educators ready to make a lasting impact on students and schools across our community.”
The fellows, who have been enrolled in summer coursework through HCS, transitioned to on-campus classes at Lee for the month of July. During the Lunch & Learn, the group engaged with key faculty members and mentors as they began their journey toward teacher licensure.
“I am grateful to Lee University as we continue this partnership to train our next cohort of educators," said Dr. Zac Brown, chief talent officer for Hamilton County Schools. "As a district, Hamilton County Schools is committed to employing high-quality educators for our students, and this partnership helps us achieve that goal. I look forward to seeing the success of these educators as they work in our classrooms to support our students."
The 2025–2026 LEE Fellows cohort includes Carl Blackburn, who will serve at Opportunity High; Pamela Blackmon at Orchard Knob Elementary; Rauelle Bonner, Dalewood Middle; Karah Carson, Sequoyah High; Melanie Collins, Hunter Middle; Aaron Forde, East Brainerd Elementary; John Giron, Brainerd High; Aaron Gordon-Weaver, Tyner Middle/High; and Alexis Hayes at Harrison Elementary. Additional fellows include Squoia Holmes and Brandon Johnson at Brainerd High, Kevin Johnson at Tyner High Academy; Rama Kumbhaj, Apison Elementary; William Lazenby, East Ridge High; Cheyenne Munoz, Harrison Elementary; Chausie Neal and Sandra Smith, The Howard School; Christina Shotwell, Ooltewah High; Lamonte’ Solomon, Central High; and Jennifer Weyler at Snow Hill Elementary.
“At the Helen DeVos College of Education, we are committed to preparing excellent teachers who are ready to serve their communities,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of the college. “Through this partnership, we’re equipping passionate individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive from day one in the classroom.”
The Licensing Excellent Educators Program is a three-year partnership between Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education, Hamilton County Schools, The Maclellan Foundation and The Tucker Foundation. Designed as a post-baccalaureate pathway, the program prepares individuals from diverse career backgrounds to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and Tennessee state licensure, with a focus on high-need endorsement areas. Each year, 20 LEE Fellows are selected to receive scholarships and tuition support to complete a 14-month licensure program at no cost. Fellows are placed by HCS in schools that align with district needs, where they commit to four years of service. The initiative aims to equip 60 new educators over three years and build a long-term talent pipeline for Hamilton County Schools.
For further information about the Licensing Excellent Educators Program, contact Rachael Pitts at rpitts@leeuniversity.edu.