I am so excited to start this 2026-2027 school year as the proud assistant principal at Smith Barnes Elementary School. Education is a part of who I am as a person. I believe that every child can succeed and show progress and growth if they are given an opportunity to thrive in their educational environment. I believe that a person’s ability to grow is as limitless as one’s ambition. Every child deserves an educational advocate to help to ensure that they have a great educational experience. I seek to be that person for the children that I pour into here at Smith Barnes.
My background was initially in Banking and Finance. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics with a Minor in Management from Spelman College, and I have an MBA from Georgia College and State University. After many years working in Finance and Accounting, I decided to venture into my true passion for Education.

I obtained my Post Bac Certification through Mercer University and my Specialist degree from Walden University at the inception of my journey into teaching. My educational career commenced at the middle school level as a 6th grade math teacher in Macon, Georgia. In 2015, I moved to Henry County to embark on a new role as a 5th grade Math and Social Studies teacher at an elementary school. After 5 years in the classroom, my love for Math expanded to the realm of STEM as I worked as a STEM educator. As a STEM educator, I was able to exemplify critical thinking skills through engaging and explorative lessons that seamlessly aligned math and science standards. My diligent work with STEM led to my next position as a Math Instructional Coach. This coaching experience allowed me to collaborate with teachers through weekly professional development sessions to enhance Tier I Instructional planning.

As I enter my 21st year in education this school year, I look forward to pouring into the educational success of all students here at Smith Barnes. I am thrilled to work with a community of educators and support staff to solidify the educational foundation of each and every one of our students. It is my aspiration to fill each child’s cup with knowledge and confidence and a love for learning that will shape them as young scholars of the world! I am super excited to be a Smith Barnes Tiger!

On task, on time, on a mission! The Smith Barnes Motto to Success!

Nikki Lee

bridgeGA30281

770-474-4066

School Hours: 7:35 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

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