Lisa Ellis

Lisa Ellis was born in Columbia, South Carolina. She earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston in 1997, a graduate degree from Clemson University in 2001, and a graduate degree from Columbia College in 2018. Her career experience includes working as a director of student activities at Blythewood high school, English teacher, leadership teacher, and instructional coach. Ellis has been affiliated with SC for Ed and Junior League of Columbia.[1]

Lisa Ellis did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 21 year veteran school teacher who has worked in 3 SC school districts and 4 SC public schools. In 2018, I created a closed Facebook group called SC for Ed for teachers to connect with each other. This turned into a grassroots advocacy movement with the goal of placing a high quality teacher in every SC classroom. I have a B.A from College of Charleston, a M.S. from Clemson University, and a M.A. from Columbia College.

I believe every student deserves a high quality education in South Carolina. The first step to a high quality education is addressing the teacher shortage. This can be done by increasing teacher pay and improving working conditions for teachers and school support staff. Working conditions can be improved through improving teacher contracts, addressing the metrics of the school report card, and addressing class sizes. School funding has to be reviewed as well.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Every child deserves a high quality education.Teachers and school support staff need higher salaries and better working conditions.School funding has to be addressed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office serves the public education system of South Carolina. It is responsible for the education that our students receive, and education is a vital component of a strong democracy. It is vital this office promote and maintain a strong public education system so that the future of South Carolina is strong and competitive.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A strong moral character, honesty, transparency, and a willingness to put others above self.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of my grandmother's mottos was "Brighten the corner where you are." I have always loved that saying, and that is what I attempt to do in my life. My personal life motto is from George Eliot: "What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?" I want to leave the world a better place, and I believe I do this as a teacher every day. I truly won't ever know my full impact, but I hope that those who meet me are better for it.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was babysitting. My first job with a company was Baskin Robbins. I worked there until I graduated from high school. It gave me a wonderful glimpse into working with the public and also working in food service.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Too many to list...

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Bon Jovi's 'We Don't Run.'

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The person who holds this office has to be passionate, transparent, and accountable to educational stakeholders, most importantly, our students.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

This office must have teaching and school experience in order to understand the responsibilities placed on the schools. I now say, "if you haven't worked in a school since COVID, you don't know what it's like to teach." That experience is crucial to understanding the demands of the system. It would be helpful to have leadership experience.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What did the tomato say to the cabbage?

You go on ahead (a head), and I'll catch up (ketchup).