GC Teacher of the Year Kristen Lee-Oliver cheers on team of special education staff

Kristen Lee-Oliver would fly under the radar if she could.

But accolades abound for the 30-year veteran of Greenfield-Central High School, who has touched the lives of hundreds of special needs students over the years.

Lee-Oliver is Teacher of the Year for all of Greenfield-Central schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

Accolades abound for the 30-year veteran of Greenfield-Central High School, who has touched the lives of hundreds of special needs students over the years.

Not only does she have a gift to work with teens with disabilities, but she is also admired for her strength in leadership as she coaches her 10-member team to new heights.

Just like her successful career as a cheerleading coach, Lee-Oliver is recognized for her ability to listen to others and instill strength when moments are hard.

“My favorite thing truly is coaching up the teachers,” she said. 

Lee-Oliver grew up in Washington, Indiana, and now lives in Greenfield with husband Brent Oliver– also a GCHS teacher– and their two dogs. She has two adult sons, Adam and Aaron. 

Her path to special education took time, as it was not her first option in career as a young college student. She met with a college advisor, who proposed special education. After an observation in a classroom for students with emotional disabilities, she was hooked.

She started her career at Greenfield-Central High School 30 years ago and over the years has taught students with needs across a large spectrum. For about the last 10 years, she has taken a leadership role.

Lee-Oliver grew up in Washington, Indiana, and now lives in Greenfield with husband Brent Oliver– also a GCHS teacher– and their two dogs. She has two adult sons, Adam and Aaron. 

As director of special education and student services for roughly 200 teens of various abilities, Lee-Oliver describes her job as  “fire-fighter/sky-diver/heavy equipment operator/lion tamer– and that’s on a good day.”

The most challenging aspect of her job, she says, is never feeling like she has done enough to support her department, students or parents. She says every parent sees their child as the single most important person – as they should – and sometimes it feels like meeting the special needs of each student is daunting. There’s only so much time, resources and support.

It’s the conundrum of special education in general, as Lee-Oliver describes the profession of a high burnout rate. But Greenfield-Central High School is an anomaly. With two staff members with three decades of experience and several with more than 20 years of experience, she says there is a close-knit connection on the team that lifts each other up and encourages the younger members.

Lee-Oliver coaches her diverse team of 10, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out on the job.

Julie Stoeffler was hired at the same time as Lee-Oliver, and the two have formed quite a bond.

As director of special education and student services for roughly 200 teens of various abilities, Lee-Oliver describes her job as  “fire-fighter/sky-diver/heavy equipment operator/lion tamer– and that’s on a good day.”

“The things that I am weakest in, she is strongest; the things that she struggles with are my strengths,” Stoeffler said. “Kristen and I have worked together to hone each other’s skills. She challenges me and tells me she knows I can do things, even when I feel I can’t. She is that support for me when I am sad and frustrated. She is able to lift me up and make me feel like I can do anything. Her faith in me – and in our department– is strong. She believes in me, and all of us.”

Stoeffler admires that Lee-Oliver is always a professional in how she interacts with students, parents, teachers and administrators. 

“She has a unique knack for catching onto peoples’ strengths and utilizing those strengths to make our department a strong unit,” Stoeffler said, adding that she helps maintain a close knit community. “She works to support each of us as individuals, and also works to help us build our team, or our family. We do communicate outside of school, sometimes just on fun things. Kristen sends those random texts, like, ‘100 shopping days until Christmas!’ – just to have some connection. That usually starts an hour long of jokes back and forth.” 

The newest member of the special education team is grateful for a collaborative, supportive leader. Emma Baker said she admires Lee-Oliver’s patience when teaching and guiding others. 

“Kristen understands the needs of students across the spectrum of learners, and she advocates for all students she interacts with on a daily basis,” Olin said.

“She is always willing to answer questions I have,” said Baker, a second year teacher. “She has given me lots of advice on how to handle situations that I may be unfamiliar with.”

GCHS Principal Dan Walbaum said of the many excellent educators he has met since coming to GC this year, Lee-Oliver is at the top of the list. She has very high standards for herself, and those high standards are contagious for those around her.

“She is a true mentor and leader in her department and the entire school,” Walbaum said. “Her mentorship for young teachers is evident in their professional growth. She puts those teachers in position to be successful through their schedules, co-teaching assignments, and her willingness to listen and support.”

Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin said Lee-Oliver is incredibly influential within her department because she has worn many hats as a special  education teacher over the years.
“Kristen understands the needs of students across the spectrum of learners, and she advocates for all students she interacts with on a daily basis,” Olin said.

In addition to the huge impact she makes during the school day, Olin admires her commitment to after-school programs as well.

“This award is not about me,” she said. “I know it’s cliche, but I would not be here if it were not for the support of others.”

“She led our cheerleading team to a state title, and she has worked football, basketball, baseball and other events for many years,” he said. “She seeks out ways to support Cougar students throughout the year.”

The family atmosphere in the special education education department is evident when times are hardest. Lee-Oliver’s staff came together for her last year on a journey through melanoma, continuing to meet deadlines for student individual education plans even through sickness. 

“I love the support of these people in my lowest times– it’s just a family,” she said. “Yes, the timelines can’t be missed, but beyond that we will just do anything, as much as we are able, to help each other.”

Greenfield-Central’s Teacher of the Year award is announced every summer, after one staff member is nominated from each building. Lee-Oliver said she was overwhelmed when she was selected top winner among the group of highly-dedicated peers across the school corporation.

“This award is not about me,” she said. “I know it’s cliche, but I would not be here if it were not for the support of others. I wish it could go to all of the people who have helped me over the years. Every single one of them deserves it.”

By Maribeth Vaughn

GCHS Principal Dan Walbaum said of the many excellent educators he has met since coming to GC this year, Lee-Oliver is at the top of the list.