North Gwinnett News

The Gwinnett County 2022 Teacher of the Year revealed that he will leave the district amid post-pandemic challenges facing teachers and school administrators.

Lee Allen said his departure comes alongside a hope to regain the ability to do the job that he loves, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

"I'm speaking tonight to use my small platform to raise awareness on the issues facing teachers today, so the district can seriously consider a plan, a plan to proactively combat these issues before more learning is lost and teachers leave," Allen said during a Board of Education meeting in May.

Allen taught ninth-grade algebra at Archer High School, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. He worked as a teacher for eight years, including three years at Gwinnett County Public Schools. He moved from the business sector to education in 2014. Allen said he shifted careers because he was interested in helping others. He was motivated by the challenges of teaching and the opportunity to positively impact students.

Allen remarked on the nationwide shortage of teachers during his Teacher of the Year acceptance speech. He asked school administrators to listen to teachers' feedback and assured educators that they are not the only ones who feel stress from their job.

"If you work in education and you're struggling, hear me, you're not alone," Allen said. 

When he announced his departure, Allen said he felt unsupported in his goal to benefit students both inside and beyond the classroom, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. He will forgo the opportunity to become the statewide Teacher of the Year and receive a monetary bonus. 

Allen added that the school district needs to make significant changes in order to increase teacher retention.