Lee County Schools -

Dr. David Blackmon, Director of Human Capital/Beginning Teacher Coordinator

I look forward to working with our Beginning Teachers as they embark on this journey. I began working with Lee County Schools in 2005 as an Instructional Assistant/Bus Driver. Since then, I have held the roles of Teacher, Assistant Principal, School Safety Coordinator, Driver's Education Coordinator, and Director of Human Capital. I believe that as a school system, our students are successful when our teachers are successful!

Mrs. Anne Knuth, Beginning Teacher Coach

I graduated with a degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and returned home to Lee County to teach English and World History at the middle school level. After 30 years of service to Lee County Schools, I retired, but my passion for education and student success led me back to the school system to embark on a different role.  For the past nine years, I have had the privilege of working with our new teachers, providing support to ensure they succeed in the classroom.  In order for our students to thrive, our teachers must thrive!  

Mrs. Penny Basinger

Penny Basinger is a graduate of Meredith College, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. She later returned to Fayetteville State University to obtain licensure in Early Childhood Education (K–4). In 2004, she achieved National Board Certification, and in 2009 she earned a Master’s degree in Reading Education (K–12) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Mrs. Basinger has devoted 34 years to the field of education, including 30 years in North Carolina public schools and an additional three years in a private school following her retirement from the state system. She is deeply passionate about early childhood education and strongly believes in the value of diverse educational models to meet the differentiated needs of all students. In recent years, she has developed a particular enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting new teachers in Lee County to help ensure their success in the classroom.

Mrs. Anne Lamb

With 31 years of experience in elementary education, including 12 years as a Literacy Intervention Specialist in Lee County Schools, I bring a deep commitment to teaching and learning. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K–6) from Campbell University and am a National Board Certified Teacher who is passionate about supporting student growth. Now retired from the classroom, I am excited to share my love of the profession and work alongside new teachers in Lee County as they develop confidence, skills, and a strong foundation for their teaching careers.

Mrs. Dara Butler

Dara Butler is an Instructional Coach with the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP) who is passionate about partnering with beginning teachers to design joyful and equitable classrooms.  She has worked in public education for over 20 years and has served as teacher, literacy specialist, curriculum designer, and coach. Dara holds a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Richmond, and a M.Ed. in Literacy from Texas Woman’s University. Dara is licensed in Elementary Education (PreK-6), ELA (6-9) and Reading (K-12).

Ms. Amy Salter

Amy Salter is a retired educator with 34 years of experience where she served as assistant principal at Southern Lee High School for 18 years.  Prior to her stint in administration Amy taught Dance Education for 16 years and served as the Arts Education Department Chairperson at Northwood High School in Chatham County.  Amy has a strong background in hiring practices and believes that mentoring new teachers strengthens their abilities and provides support and encouragement in developing instructional leaders for today's classrooms.  Amy holds a BA in Dance from Meredith College and a MSA from North Carolina State University.  She is licensed in K-12 Dance Education.