Sanford Joins CLC as 6th Grade Teacher

The Christian Learning Center (CLC) has welcomed Kerri Ann Sanford as the Teacher for its new 6th Grade Class.

Working as the Youth Director of First United Methodist Church, Sanford holds a degree in Christian Youth Ministry for grades 6-12 from North Greenville University in South Carolina. She also is currently working on her Masters in Counseling at the University of North Georgia. She also holds training in Crisis Counseling and Mentorships.

Stepping in as the teacher for the current 15 students registered for the first 9 weeks class, Sanford states she’s ready for the new challenge. She has set a curriculum to cover issues of the 6th grade including relationships and friendships, Peer Pressure, how to read the Bible, and how to build a voice in their relationships.

When asked about her goals of the class, Sanford offered ideas of an open forum for study and interaction. While a normal teacher maintains a certain distance from students as the authority, Sanford hopes to foster a bit more of a closer relationship with the students in order to foster the open atmosphere and a comfortability to ask questions.

She laughed as she was asked what was special to her about Middle Schoolers, stating, “They’re fun. It’s a balance of ‘we can discuss things’ but ‘you still like games and you still like to have fun.’” While they do require more structure than most high school students, Sanford offers that closer guidance and organization.

The CLC tends to offer the more relaxed environment separate from the school system. A completely optional class for students to step away from the everyday of school to grow in their knowledge of God and faith no matter their personal beliefs as both Sanford and Gilmer CLC Director Jennifer Colson said they wanted and loved all their students and want to build those relationships with each of them.

While currently the 1st 9-week period is registered, it is not too late to register students for the upcoming 9-week periods and classes are still open for those students. Parents can contact the School Administration to inquire further about registering their kids for this class and its new teacher.