About The Teacher

NAME: Leslie Wright Samford

SCHOOL: Autrey Mill Middle School

CLASS: 7th Grade Social Studies TAG and On-level

SCHOOL PHONE: 770-521-7622

About The Teacher

                        Philosophy of Education

    As an educator, I believe that I should encourage each child to reach 
his or her highest academic potential.  I feel that this objective can be 
accomplished best by providing a knowledgeable, caring, and enthusiastic 
environment, where the uniqueness of the individual child is taken into 
consideration.  By introducing the curriculum in diverse ways, including 
active student involvement, I hope to meet the individual needs of each 
child.
    One cannot expect each child to retain every fact that he or she will be 
exposed to during the course of his or her education.  Therefore, it is 
essential that I enhance his ability and self-confidence to find answers on 
his own by promoting reading, research, critical thinking, and problem- 
solving skills.
    Many new and innovative avenues will be offered to this generation.  It 
is my responsibility as an educator to acquaint my students with technology 
so that they can excel in the years to come.
    My personal goal is to work cooperatively with parents to produce 
responsible, self-sufficient, and motivated citizens of tomorrow.  It is 
only with parental and community support that education can reach its 
highest level.
                          
                       MY BACKGROUND
                  
Georgia Certified Preschool through 8th grade, Gifted Endorsed
   Fields of certification:  Math, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, 
                             and Science

Undergraduate studies:
Secondary Education, Auburn University (9/71 - 6/74)
University of North Carolina Greensboro - BA Degree Elementary Education

Graduate studies:
Masters Degree Georgia State University, Middle School Education
                                             Concentration Math

Work Experience in Education
Substitute Teacher in Gwinnett County Schools 1985-1988
Para Professional in Gwinnett County Schools  1988-1990
Fifth Grade Teacher at Roswell North Elementary 1990-1995
Fifth Grade Teacher at Findley Oaks Elementary 1995-2001
Teacher for Gifted State Bridge Crossing Elementary Fulton County 2001-2004
Seventh grade Social Studies Gifted and 7th grade Math Autrey Mill Middle 
School-2004-present


Family:  Mother of 3 children 
         Grandmother of 3

Mission For The Class

My mission is to provide an 
opportunity for students to develop and enhance:
*Higher order and critical thinking Skills
*Problem solving and creativity 
*Advance communication and research skills
while covering the 7th grade Social Studies curriculum.