Position: Principal / 5th-8th Teacher
Phone: 865-982-7584
Email: rclifford@gccsda.com
Highest Degree: Masters of Education
Major Field: Physical Education and Health
College Where Earned: Southern Adventist University
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I loved school as a small child, and I recall the qualities of my favorite teachers. They smiled often and laughed with the students. It was evident that they enjoyed their work. They played with the students outside. They prayed with us throughout the day. They made sacrifices to ensure the students understood new concepts. My mother and father were both teachers and modeled those very qualities. I wanted to be like them. I remember my early days of teacher “training” in my grandfather’s basement. I would set up old chairs and dusty tables and hand out pretend spelling tests to my imaginary students. I was six years old at that time. I held on to my dream of becoming a teacher until I had my very own classroom.
What have you taught?
I started my career teaching Physical Education and Health in Green Bay, WI. I was the homeroom teacher for 2nd and 7th grade while serving as a teaching missionary in Taiwan. I returned to America and taught all the subjects for grades 1st-5th.
How do you connect with your students?
I show them they are valued by listening to them. I help them by encouraging them to learn from their mistakes. We pray together, laugh together, and ultimately learn from one another.
What do you like to do when you’re not in the classroom?
My husband and I enjoy exploring the great outdoors and taking our daughters to playgrounds. In my personal time, I enjoy reading, playing guitar, singing, and writing.
Position: 1st-4th Grade Teacher
Email: cclifford@gccsda.com
Highest Degree: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Major Field: Elementary Education
College Where Earned: Walla Walla University
Position: Pastor
Highest Degree: Masters of Divinity
College Where Earned: Andrews University