We proudly announce that Wayland Lee is our 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at Willis Jepson Middle School.
Wayland is a dedicated, creative, and engaging teacher known for his innovative and student-centered approach to education and his commitment to Willis Jepson Middle School colleagues.
He consistently goes above and beyond to create a dynamic, interactive learning environment. His lessons are accessible to all students, relevant to his students' lives, and foster in his students a love of learning.
Students feel motivated, inspired, and excited about their academic journey in his classroom. His calm demeanor creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere at our school, making students feel comfortable seeking his help and guidance. Students speak highly of him and love participating in his class.
Colleagues appreciate his collaborative spirit and willingness to share his knowledge. His ability to assist our staff at a moment's notice has been invaluable. Whether it is troubleshooting technical issues during a class, assisting colleagues with the new platforms and apps available, or responding to many questions, Mr. Lee's expertise ensures a seamless and efficient learning experience for students and teachers.
He is also a reliable and exceptional Induction mentor. Because of his wise and thoughtful guidance and advice, our new science teachers feel more connected to our school and grow and excel professionally.
We are incredibly proud of Jepson's Esports program under his leadership. He meets with students weekly to give our kids opportunities to build friendships, compete with other teams, and explore their interest in technology. It is one of three programs in California Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) acknowledged for its excellence. It recently received six new gaming PCs from AMD, including monitors, keyboards, mice, and headsets through its "build a lab" grant program.
Wayland is an invaluable member of the WJMS staff. He is an outstanding teacher who enriches students' educational experiences and helps colleagues do their best.
His impactful teaching, technical expertise, kindness, and professionalism make him an ideal Teacher of the Year candidate.
-- Tom McHale, Principal, Willis Jepson Middle School