Author Spotlight: Cassidy Lee

Cassidy is an educator, librarian, freelancer, but most importantly, a worker in the kingdom of God. She is a bookworm who loves to travel, dance, create, is a voice actor, gamer, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Developing a fondness for teaching while serving her community through diverse volunteer programs, Cassidy has worked in the field of education in various capacities for 14 years. She has previously served on leadership teams and overseen school-wide writing and literacy programs on multiple occasions at several schools’ sites for over five years. Cassidy serves youth and children’s ministry by teaching a class of 2nd graders and leading a small group/Bible study for young ladies. She was also a part of East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s first cohort of technology integration learning leaders for two years.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Liberal Arts from Southern University and A&M College. She holds certifications in 6th-12th grade English, language arts, and reading as well as library media. She is currently a doctoral student studying curriculum and instruction through the University of South Carolina’s distance education program.

She hopes her dedication will continue to meet the growing needs of educators and students.

 

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Cassidy, Cassidy?

Cassidy: My SwagHer is the ability to adapt to just about anything. I’ve had life-changing events come my way, yet I adjust accordingly and move forward. 

Christina: I grew up in a family full of educators, so I have a healthy respect for them. Why did you decide to pursue a career in education? 

Cassidy:  I want to be a part of the change I wish to see. I have a mission statement for the tutoring services I also provide. It’s “motivating a new generation to cultivate a more prosperous future.” Starting with the youth is a large part of instigating change.

Christina: Ok, so you must be one of those cool teachers that every student loves. You’re a gamer! How did you get into gaming? What’s your favorite game and gaming system? 

Cassidy: It’s certainly a shock to them when they find out. *grin* Most students don’t believe teachers have similar interests or grew up loving the same things they do. The Sims franchise is my favorite, followed closely by Batman: Arkham Knight. I usually play on either PS4 or PC.

Christina: Would you encourage others to become educators? Why or Why not?

Cassidy: I only encourage people to become educators if they understand the amount of focus and dedication it involves. It’s a work of heart; you can’t go in with ideals of self-pursuit.

Christina: You have a book coming out. Please tell our readers about it. 

Cassidy:  Yes, it’s called Finding Peace During the Healing Process. It’s a 21-day devotional, and I began writing it at a time when I was searching for healing in my own life. I compiled the writings into a devotional in the hopes it will help others. 

I designed it to be read over the course of 21 days because that’s how long it takes to form a habit. If the reader has a tight schedule, the devotional meets their needs as something succinct yet impactful. I refer to it as “small but mighty.”

Christina: Define success in your own words.

Cassidy: Success, to me, is legacy. It’s the permanence of what we leave behind.

Christina: What is your favorite place you have traveled to?

Cassidy:  My favorite place so far has been Japan. I’ve studied the culture and language for a while. It was exciting to be fully immersed in it, so I could use what I’ve learned. As soon as it’s safe to travel internationally again, I hope to visit Senegal next. 

Christina: Tell our readers a little bit about EBR’s technology integration program that you are a part of.

Cassidy:  I was a part of EBR’s first technology integration learning leaders’ cohort from 2016-2018. It offered opportunities for educators in EBR to become tech integration specialists at their school sites. 

I am thankful for the chance because I received training in several online learning platforms and gained certifications at no charge through the program. Specifically, I earned the Google Educator Level 1 certification, which led to my earning the level 2 certification independently. I’m currently working on my Google Trainer certification.  

Christina: You’re in school right now to get your doctorate. How is that going for you? What will your doctorate be in?

Cassidy: I’m studying curriculum and instruction through the University of South Carolina’s distance education program. It has been illuminating. There is a concentration on diversity and equity within the courses I’m taking. While it’s helping me grow as an educator, it’s also encouraging to see higher education programs focusing more on the needs of its students of color and instituting ways to bring about true equity and inclusion in our schools.

Christina: What is some advice you have for aspiring educators?

Cassidy: Understand you’re entering a profession that has undergone constant reforms. It won’t be perfect, but every well-intentioned thing you do will bear fruit. Education produces results over time. Just continue sowing seeds.

Christina: Do you have any upcoming projects or events you would like to share?

Cassidy: Currently, I am working on an instructional manual for book coaching new authors, a creative works collection, a contemporary Christian novel, a sci-fi/fantasy novel, and my second devotional. They are all scheduled to be released over the course of the next three years.

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to say?

Cassidy: I plan to host writing and consulting workshops to mentor creatives aspiring to publish their works, especially in the Blerd community. The workshops are coming up soon; please stay connected to my website and social for updates. I can be found on Goodreads as well, where I’m hosting more Q&As, giveaways, and an online book club.

 

Connect with Cassidy:

Website: https://www.cassidyalee.com/

Instagram: @cassidylee42

Facebook: Cassidy A. Lee 42

LinkedIn: Cassidy Lee

Goodreads: Cassidy Lee

Finding Peace During the Healing Process: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D6FZC91