2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist Bee Lee, Emmet D. Williams Elementary Visual Arts Specialist

Teaching Is Creative:
 Fostering Artistic Expression & Growth in Students

We are continuing to showcase the inspiring journeys of local Minnesota teachers. This month, we are highlighting 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist Bee Lee, a dedicated visual arts specialist at Emmet D. Williams Elementary in the Roseville School District. With 15 years of teaching experience, Bee brings creativity and passion to K–6 Visual Arts education. 

As a first-generation Hmong-American whose parents were refugees from Laos, Bee’s story reflects resilience and the power of education to shape lives. Growing up in St. Paul as one of eight siblings in a family of ten, Bee now shares her love of learning with her own two children, while fostering artistic expression and growth in her students.

 December 17, 2024, 3:00-4:15pm
Location: Virtual

Join us for our virtual Action Network convening to:

  • Learn exciting partnership updates and marketing campaign progress 

  • Hear a spotlight on an Elevate Teaching Champion

  • Weigh in on Elevate Teaching merchandise design

  • Share inspiring teacher stories

Anyone is welcome, even if you have not been a part of past meetings!

In partnership with PELSB and Neka Creative, we are embarking on a marketing campaign to elevate the teaching profession and inspire more people to become teachers, especially those from communities of color and indigenous communities. As a “future maker” yourself, would you be willing to create a short (<2 min) video to support this important effort?

Yingfah Thao from Minnesota State, Liz Williams from Greater Twin Cities United Way, and keynote speaker Dr. Rose Chu from Elevate Teaching

Photos of some of our teachers from Elevate Teaching's Teacher Stories

Inspire Someone to Be a Future Maker

Elevate Teaching is honored to have participated in the 2024 Career and Technical Educator Summit, organized by Minnesota State. The sold-out Summit served as a premier platform for learning, sharing best practices, and addressing critical issues in CTE, fostering professional development, and raising awareness of current trends in education.

Dr. Rose Chu was invited as the opening keynote speaker sharing her passion and insights about elevating the teaching profession in the context of CTE. The setting was in a fireside chat format expertly hosted by Liz Williams of Greater Twin Cities United Way.  Dr. Chu facilitated a breakout session afterward for participants to learn more about and apply the resources of Elevate Teaching.  At its core, the Summit highlights the vital role of teaching in shaping strong communities and empowering students, ensuring the continued success and growth of CTE across the state and beyond.

Elevate Teaching was also present throughout the summit with an exhibitor booth.  A special thanks to Elevate Teaching team’s Sophie Reese for organizing and staffing the booth.  We are very grateful to Karl Ohm and Yingfah Thao of Minnesota State CTE for their invitation and support in amplifying Elevate Teaching at the summit.

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Check out our partner upcoming events! Want help promoting an event? Share it with us at yes@elevateteaching.us!