Lee Haywood is a dedicated educator and artist with a strong passion for both teaching and creating art. She holds a BFA in Painting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and later returned to complete her Art Education degree while working as a lateral entry art educator. Lee has accumulated 20 years of experience in education, starting in Davidson County teaching thousands of elementary aged students to love art. She then transitioned to Uwharrie Charter Academy middle grades, where she established the art program when the school opened in 2015.
In addition to her role as an art educator, Lee is an active artist who operates out of her home studio, “County Punk Studio.” Her artistic interests span across printmaking, pen & ink, painting, mixed media, and photography, reflecting her diverse creative talents. Her dedication to the arts has been recognized through awards such as the 2019 NCAEA Middle School Art Educator of the Year and, more recently, the 2024 North Carolina Charter School Teacher of the Year.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lee prioritizes family life, residing with her husband and two young children on their farm in rural Montgomery County. She enjoys sharing her passion for art with her children and exploring the outdoors in the Uwharries, highlighting her commitment to fostering creativity and education both inside and outside the classroom.