Indigo Lee grew up near Brighton where she spent her childhood exploring the great outdoors, riding horses for many years, and living near her grandparents who continue to hold special spots in her life. After high school, Lee traveled, explored, and eventually started her family. During this time, she attended Eastern Michigan University where she was a member of the nation’s oldest multidisciplinary collegiate honor society, Phi Kappa Phi.
Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Integrated Sciences and graduated summa cum laude in 2019. She worked at Burns Park as a building substitute then moved the following year to Allen where she has been teaching third grade for the past four years.
Lee deeply values the relationships and connections with her students, says Allen Principal Laura Wolf.
“She is able to quickly understand each individual in her learning space and adjusts her work and support for each member of her classroom community,” says Wolf. “Indigo’s calm presence and demeanor provide a welcoming and comforting learning environment. Indigo is an exceptional teacher and we are so lucky to work with her at Allen.”
Lee lives near Ore Lake in Hamburg, with her spouse Josh, daughter Aurora, and their feline companions Primrose and Poppy as well as a backyard full of spayed and neutered outdoor cats—all of which have their own heated accommodations. During her free time, Lee enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, boating, gardening, cat rescuing, and hiking.
What’s the most challenging part of the first few weeks of the new school year?
Starting a new school year can be challenging as it involves getting back into a set routine. The end of summer can be seen as hitting the reset button. It takes time to get students accustomed to a new classroom, teacher, peers, and expectations. It’s crucial to have patience and remain open to making changes on the fly while trying to know your new class.
Why did you pursue a career in teaching?
As a student, I had a few teachers who motivated me to pursue my aspirations. They regularly checked up on me and showed that they genuinely cared about me and my goals. I will always remember these mentors and how they impacted my life. I wanted to be “that teacher” for my future students, and I hope I am. In high school, I volunteered for an extracurricular program called STARS (Students Talking About Real Stuff). We older students visited elementary schools every week and had a buddy to mentor. The students we mentored needed a positive individual in their lives with whom they could freely share and connect. I enjoyed all of the aspects of being a positive influence and establishing connections with these children. STARS paved the way for my teaching career.
Why third grade?
I’m thrilled to be teaching third grade at Allen. As a first-year teacher coming into a new situation, I landed in an amazing team. Melissa (DeJesus), David (Blumer), and I collaborate seamlessly and offer each other support whenever needed. Moreover, I appreciate working with this age group because they are mature enough to have profound discussions about the curriculum, yet playful enough to have a good laugh. And, of course, I love teaching Michigan history. Witnessing the students’ eyes light up with wonder as they learn exciting facts about our state is an absolute joy.
What are your best tips for classroom management?
My top suggestion for effective classroom management is to foster a strong sense of community and belonging among the students. There is a place for each of us in our classroom family. This can be achieved by maintaining open communication with both the students and their at-home families, setting clear expectations, and engaging them in enjoyable yet purposeful activities.
What do you like about working at Allen?
What I appreciate the most about Allen is the amazing people I work with. This includes the custodians, food service workers, teachers, support staff, our principal, and office professionals—all of whom are kind and wonderful individuals.
What’s the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is first thing in the morning when I welcome my students into our classroom. Typically I will have been in the room for about an hour, preparing for our time together, and I love how they rush in to tell me or their friends’ exciting news from home and how they exchange information about the day to come.
What do you want most for your students?
As a teacher, I try to provide my students with the best possible overall experience. My greatest wish is for my students to feel a sense of belonging, to take pride in their accomplishments, and to measure their successes only by comparison to themselves, not others. I think about their futures and I hope they live a life full of wonder and find peace in their journey. I strive to create a fun and joyful learning environment in my classroom, where laughter is frequent.
What advice would you give to a first-year teacher?
For a first-year teacher, my advice would be to take a deep breath and take it one day at a time or sometimes a few minutes at a time. This job can be tough. Remember that your mentor is a good source of experience and support, so talk to them and remember that you will have good and bad days. It’s important to prioritize your work and set clear boundaries for taking work home with you. This can be difficult, too, but having a healthy work-life balance is crucial for success.
How do you spend your summers?
During summer, my family and I enjoy spending time with my grandparents and other relatives. We like paddle boarding and swimming in our lake, backyard bonfires, going up North, and gardening. I’m an avid reader, too, and I try to read as many books as possible in the summer.
What are your thoughts on the district’s focus this year on dignity, belonging, and well-being?
I recognize the efforts the district makes to nurture a climate of belonging through shaping and maintaining a culture of dignity for every student, staff, and family member. I think there’s a lot of work left to do to get us all closer to that goal and I appreciate everyone who works together.
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