Our latest Welcome To Sanford Teacher of the Week is Amy Gilleland from West Lee Middle School. Mrs. Gilleland serves as AVID Site Coordinator at the school. She is responsible for developing the elective academic courses for West Lee students that will lead them on the path to academic success. Mrs. Gilleland is a Chatham County native and Pittsboro resident. A East Carolina University alum, Mrs. Gilleland holds a degree in Middle Grades Education.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) operates with one guiding principle. The AVID Mindset holds students accountable to the highest standards, and provides academic and social support, with the expectation that they will rise to the challenge. At West Lee, AVID academic elective courses prepare students for college readiness and success; providing instruction that utilizes a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic success skills.
Mrs. Gilleland is an unabashed fan of middle school education and is eager to help her students at West Lee achieve their fullest potential. She observes, “I’ve taught middle school for 10 years, mostly as a 7th grade ELA teacher, but I am super excited to work with students and teachers to continue to grow our AVID program. I love the energy of middle school. Middle school is a special place to be and also a special time period in life. With all the right ingredients and everyone giving 100% it’s a really GOOD kind of special!”
