By Ella Siebert

Dr. Kristina Lee began her journey at Collegiate during the 2024-25 school year, bringing years of classroom experience, a love for supporting students one-on-one, and a deep passion for learning. A part of the Upper School Academic Services department, she uses her background in English education and personal and professional experiences to help students reach their academic potential. 

Lee grew up in Yorktown, a small city in southeastern Virginia. As a student, Lee went to public schools and graduated from Tabb High School, with around 250 students in her graduating class. Reflecting on her time there, she said, “we had a really close-knit community and a lot of great teachers. I think it was very unlike Collegiate in a lot of ways but similar in that it was also filled with close groups of kids and dedicated educators.” The strong sense of community and support from her school guided Lee’s values as both a student and a future teacher. 

Her inspiration to pursue a career in teaching came from her junior year English teacher, Ms. Wallace, whose passion for teaching English and strong dedication to students made a lasting impression. “She really, really loved what she did,” Lee recalled. “I had always been a big reader and writer, and for a long time I wanted to be a journalist. But after I took her class, it just made me love literature even more.” 

After spending several years teaching English at Western Albemarle and Mallard Creek high schools, Lee began to notice the job she enjoyed most was the one-on-one time she spent with her students. “As much as I enjoyed classroom teaching, over time, I realized my passion was coaching students, working through the writing process, and mentoring students individually and in small groups,” she said. That discovery eventually led her to Academic Services, where she could focus on building individual relationships with students, something she always cherished, especially from her time as a camp counselor. One reason Lee chose to teach high school was because she genuinely enjoyed her own teenage years. “I liked being a teenager,” she said. “I have so many positive memories of being in high school, really figuring out who I was and what I loved.” 

Her role in Academic Services allows her to support students both academically and emotionally. She reflected on her own experience as a lifelong learner, which has helped her shape empathetic and student-focused techniques. “I’ve been to grad school twice and just graduated from VCU in 2022. I’m even taking geometry with [Upper School math teacher] Mrs. Balcomb this year. Staying a student myself helps me relate to my students. I know what it feels like to be up against a deadline or to juggle a lot at once.” 

One of her most meaningful teaching moments came nearly a decade after she was last in the classroom when a former student reached out with a thoughtful gift. “She sent me a book that she had read in a book club, one that made her think of me, and a handwritten letter. That kind of thing doesn’t happen every day, but it reminds you of the impact you have as a teacher.” 

Dr. Lee and family. Photo credit: Dr. Kristina Lee.

At Collegiate, Lee’s number one goal is to help Upper School students navigate the challenges of a rigorous academic environment. “I want students to know that just because something is hard doesn’t mean they can’t do it. Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s self-awareness.” Normalizing academic support is a central part of her mission: “Especially here, it’s important for students to understand that needing help is human.” 

Looking ahead, Lee hopes to continue growing as an educator. One of her goals is to expand her expertise across subjects and become a true academic. “I’d love to be able to help students in as many different areas as possible. That’s something I really value about our department, we’re always learning. Dr. Best, Director of Academic Services, took physics last year, and Ms. Pitassi, an Upper School learning specialist, is taking Algebra II. We’re modeling what it means to be lifelong learners.” 

For students trying to balance school, family, and life outside the classroom, Lee offers this advice: “Use the time you have during the school day. Extra help in the morning, study hall, those are great opportunities to get things done and free up your time after school. And remember that you’re not just a student… You’re also a family member, a friend, a person.” 

For students who are struggling, she emphasizes the importance of connection: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That first step can feel hard, but once students come to our office, they’re usually glad that they did, and they often come back.” 

Lee’s educational background is as impressive as her dedication to her students. She earned her undergraduate degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Virginia in 2008, followed by a Master of Teaching in English Education from UVA in 2009. In 2022, she completed a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Culture, and Change from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Outside the classroom, Lee is a proud mother of three Collegiate students: Emerson (’33), who just started in Middle School; Chase (’35) a 3rd Grader; and Paxton (’39), a Junior Kindergartener who joined Collegiate this year. She describes the experience of working at the same school her children attend as both emotional and exciting: “It’s kind of amazing to see them during the school day on the playground, in the hallway. I call it ‘spotting them in the wild.’ It’s really fun, and it makes me feel like we’re part of the same community.” Being on the same schedule and knowing their teachers and friends helps her feel more connected both as a parent and an educator. “It really feels like our family school now. I love it.” 

Balancing work and family life, she says, is made easier by her part-time schedule and supportive husband. “I work three full days a week, which has really helped with family balance, especially last year when my youngest was at a different school,” she said. “My husband is incredibly supportive. We’re a good team.” 

With her empathy, academic expertise, and commitment to student growth, Dr. Lee is a deeply valued member of the Upper School. Whether she’s revising an essay, mentoring a Freshman, or helping a student navigate a difficult course load, she approaches each task with care, insight, and a genuine desire to help students succeed.