Inspiration Comes From Within. Learn More about Author Lisa

Lisa Wills-Author

Published Books

2022-The Day Virtual School Began

2022-Wild Hair In The Air 

2021-A Teacher's Love

2009- A Place With Purpose: Hering House 1925-1963
 

Born and raised in South Bend, IN, Lisa is driven by the belief that every student deserves a high-quality education affording them opportunities that will lead to a significant contribution to society as they transition into adulthood. As a former Adult Probation Officer, she has an insatiable desire to be of service. As an advocate of children and teens, she prepares them for the real-world challenges and all stages of their educational career. 

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Ball State University and a Master of Liberal Studies from Indiana University. She earned her teaching credentials from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. 

Lisa began her professional career as an adult felony probation officer at the St. Joseph County Adult Probation Department in South Bend, Indiana.  In addition to her duties as a probation officer, she partnered with the St. Joseph County Jail and the South Bend Community School Corporation and developed an education program. Her courses at the St. Joseph County Jail resulted in over 100 adult felons obtaining their GED. 

This experience contributed to her desire to become a teacher. In 2003, Lisa began a new career as an elementary teacher with the National Organization Teach for America. She taught 8 years in Atlanta Public Schools. She also served as a preservice mentor teacher for Clark Atlanta University, helping prepare young educators for the classroom. Lisa also served as Professional Development Advisor for the New Teacher Project (TNTP) managing a professional learning program for novice and veteran teachers which provided accreditation towards recertification of their Georgia License. During the 2010 school year, Lisa was named Atlanta Public School’s Project Grad Teacher of the year. 

In 2011, Lisa moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and served as an educator for the Abu Dhabi Education Council. She assisted in the development of the district’s very first Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for grades 3-6. In 2013, Lisa transitioned to Washington D.C and served two years with DC Public Schools. During this role, Lisa was a teacher leader and coach. 

In 2015, Lisa began her journey at Victory College Prep.  Lisa is a 4th grade teacher and teacher leader for the lower academy. Lisa has provided ongoing professional development for the network, sharing her best practices in classroom management, relationship building and mathematics. In 2020, Lisa was awarded with a Congressional Recognition Award for her work both in and out of the classroom.  

In addition to her role as a teacher, Lisa has served as a mentor to incarcerated teens in the city. She developed a mentorship program where she partnered with the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. Her work with this program provided teens with educational opportunities involving education, life skills, criminal justice, driving laws and finance. In April of 2021, Lisa was awarded Teach for America’s Lisa M. Sabloski award for excellence in teaching. 

Lisa is committed to providing students and their families with a loving and developmentally sound learning experience.  She currently resides in Fishers, IN with her husband Matthew.