Tilden preschool teacher Erin Lee enjoyed playing “teacher” as a child and dreamed of having a classroom of her own one day. So, after completing her studies at Winona State, Ms. Lee turned that dream into a reality - and just finished up her 18th year of teaching! 

“The best thing about being a teacher is the relationships I get to build with the students,” Lee said. “They make me laugh EVERY DAY.”

Teaching our little ones takes patience, skill and endless energy. In addition to maintaining ‘order’ in the classroom, preschool teachers have the special ability to help the kids develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Ms. Lee feels her time and work is an investment in the future of students, teaching them everything from social skills, cooperation, confidence and resilience. Our district and the kids in her class are so lucky to have her amazing instructional abilities!

“Teachers are human, and sometimes make mistakes, but I am ALWAYS doing my best,” she said. “I truly want what’s best for every kid in my class because I love them, and, above all else, want them to feel safe, loved and cared for.” 

With the amount of care and dedication Lee puts into her work, our kids are definitely in good hands in her classroom!

When Erin isn’t helping our youngsters grow, she loves to decorate her home in Cannon Falls, after hunting down antiques from flea markets. She also loves traveling with her family, especially exploring our beautiful national parks.

Hastings has an incredible Early Childhood Education program, with fantastic teachers helping our youngest learners. Amazing teachers like Erin Lee help make us #200Stong!