Title: Retired Teacher
Company: U.S. Department of Education
Location: Fairburn, GA, United States
Lorraine N. Inniss, MS, Retired Teacher at the U.S. Department of Education, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in High School Education.
Ms. Inniss has established a notable career marked by dedication, resilience and a profound commitment to education. From 1998 until 2015, when she retired, she served as a teacher for the U.S. Department of Education, where she became known for her unwavering support of underprivileged students at a transfer high school. Many of her students arrived with minimal academic credits and faced significant personal and academic challenges. As the sole special education teacher in a school of more than 300 students, Ms. Inniss managed small classes of under 10 students each, where she was responsible for developing and implementing individualized educational plans (IEPs). Her role required close collaboration with social workers, psychologists and fellow educators to set and achieve educational goals tailored to each student’s needs.
Since retiring in 2015, Ms. Inniss continued to serve students by working part time, primarily assisting homebound learners with their regular curriculum. While most of her current work is conducted remotely, she also occasionally substitutes at local schools, ensuring that her expertise remains accessible to those in need.
Ms. Inniss’ approach in the classroom was characterized by compassion and individualized attention, treating each student with the same care she would offer her own children. She fostered an environment where students felt safe and supported, which often attracted those who did not yet have an IEP but sought her guidance. Ms. Inniss’ efforts extended beyond the classroom as well, regularly visiting homes to provide instruction to children unable to attend school. She also devoted Saturdays to supplemental classes and grading examination papers.
Among her most notable achievements was her consistent success in helping students with limited credentials pass the High School Regents Exam. She worked diligently with each individual, ensuring they received the guidance necessary for success. Ms. Inniss’ ability to meet students where they are, without overwhelming them, has been central to her legacy as an educator.
Before her career in education, Ms. Inniss spent 20 years at HSBC, where she witnessed significant milestones, such as the construction of the first World Trade Center, which her bank was among the first to occupy. Transitioning from the corporate sector to the classroom was inspired by a personal experience involving the positive impact that dedicated teachers had on her autistic son.
Ms. Inniss’ academic background has been instrumental in shaping her professional journey. She completed her undergraduate studies by obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Medgar Evers College in 1997. She then earned a Master of Science from Long Island University in 2002 and a Master of Science in school administration and supervision from Touro University in 2004. Additionally, Ms. Inniss holds certification as a special education teacher, which enabled her to address the diverse needs of both mainstream and special education students throughout her career.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Inniss is actively involved in civic initiatives. She currently volunteers with her homeowners’ association, where she was honored with an accolade for her contributions. She is also involved with her local church, participates in food donation drives and contributes monetary donations to support those less fortunate.
Ms. Inniss’ success is rooted in a deep love for teaching and her genuine care for her students’ well-being. Looking ahead, she remains committed to bringing happiness to others and extending support to those less fortunate. Ms. Iniss continues to aspire toward making a positive impact on the lives of those around her through ongoing service and dedication.
Contact Ms. Inniss: