“If you can be anything, be kind.”
Those are words Curtis Elementary Assistant Principal Lisa McGee tries to emulate, and it shows. The effervescent redhead is beloved by faculty and students alike, and credited for always being willing to jump in where needed, act as a sounding board and problem solver, and lead with vision. Her motivation is simple.
“Everything I do is from my heart to help others,” says the 24-year educator, whose teaching career has spanned from Kindergarten to sixth grade in three parishes and Instructional Coach at Curtis and Bellaire Elementary. Now, ‘AP McGee’ – as she is affectionately called – is in her third year as second-in-charge at Curtis, and she is loving it. Her role is one that is fast-paced and never the same day to day, whether it means car line or recess duty, serving as Testing Coordinator, handling discipline or event planning. McGee dons many hats and wears them well, never losing sight of what is important.
“AP McGee always goes above and beyond in her efforts to help students and staff alike,” says Stella McGuffee. “Her heart is for the kids, and she has never forgotten what it’s like to be in the classroom.”
“No task is too big or too small for her,” Ashley Alexander adds. “From instructional leadership to handling the daily challenges of a busy campus, she gives 110-percent in every area.”
And McGee does it all with grace, patience, and a smile.
“What I love most about being ‘AP McGee’ – a nickname that sounds like a truly cool DJ name – is the amazing opportunity it gives me to connect with everyone!” she says. “AP McGee is a great way to build strong relationships with our students. It creates a positive, approachable identity that makes a difference every day. But more than a name, being AP McGee means I get the incredible honor and privilege to help both our students and teachers alike.“
Mentor. Motivator. Servant leader. Those are just a few of the qualities Curtis faculty use to describe McGee, adding that her energy is contagious. Her days are busy, yet McGee finds it deeply rewarding – especially when it involves celebrating student growth.
“I love celebrating tiny moments, like when a student earns a positive office referral for making it all day with great behavior, and I get to call parents to celebrate.” McGee adds, “The absolute most rewarding part of being in education is, and will forever be, the magical ‘a-ha’ moment. As an administrator, I am incredibly lucky because I get to share in those moments of discovery not once, but twice: I get to see the light bulb turn on for our students when a concept finally clicks, and I get to share in the enormous pride in a teacher’s eyes when they witness that breakthrough. Those powerful moments of understanding and pride – for both the learner and the educator – are the fuel that makes every day exciting and worthwhile!”
Her kindness not only wins hearts, but also awards. Unbeknownst to AP McGee, nearly two-dozen faculty members busily worked behind the scenes to nominate her for Bossier Schools’ first Gold Star employee award of the school year. It was evident McGee was overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude when she walked into the school gym where Principal Terri Bird, teachers, students and many others were waiting in the wings to announce the news.
McGee later reflected on the honor when she had time for the excitement to sink in.
“I certainly couldn’t do this job without the phenomenal guidance and support of my amazing principal, Mrs. Bird. We definitely make a dynamic duo dedicated to our students! I am thankful for all the wonderful administrators, teachers, and staff I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career – truly, this award goes to them!”
Editor’s note: Know someone who works for Bossier Schools that is deserving of recognition for going above and beyond? Nominate them for the Gold Star award, proudly sponsored for the 13th year by Bossier Federal Credit Union. Visit https://bit.ly/GoldStarForm to tell what sets them apart and be watching for our next Gold Star surprise.