Letitia Lee, the Director of Licensure at Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), has been honored as the 2025 Central Office Employee of the Year. Lee, who joined JCPS in 2017 as a licensure specialist, is a native of Johnston County and an alumna of South Johnston High and Campbell University.
Before her tenure at JCPS, Lee worked for 16 years in her family’s newspaper business. When her parents retired and with the decline in print media, she decided to change career paths. “I’m gonna have a new adventure,” she expressed.
Lee’s journey into education began with a suggestion from a friend about a licensure specialist position within JCPS. She was mentored by Andrea Evans, then Director of Licensure, whom Lee credits for much of her professional growth. “Mrs. Evans was instrumental,” Lee acknowledged.
In addition to mentorship, Lee benefited from no-cost training and professional development opportunities offered by the State of North Carolina for those new to licensure roles. These resources include lunch and learns and webinars on state board policies.
As part of the Human Resources Department at JCPS, Lee ensures teachers acquire necessary licenses while assisting all employees throughout their careers within the district. Her efforts aim to reduce anxiety among educators so they can focus on teaching. “It eases anxieties for those in the classroom,” she noted.
Lee also supports alternative license educators transitioning from other careers into teaching roles. She finds joy when these individuals complete their degree programs and are ready to teach. “I love it when they come to me and say, ‘I’m done, and I’m ready,’” she shared.
Despite being recognized multiple times for her contributions—including receiving the JCPS Leading with the Heart Award—Lee remains humble about her leadership role within JCPS’s Human Resources Department. “Our team is phenomenal,” she praised.
Receiving this year’s Central Office Employee award holds both personal and professional significance for Lee as it validates her dedication amidst challenges faced in her role: “What we’ve done so far is great but we need to keep going,” she emphasized.
