Lela S. Blackburn

Achievers Program Coordinator

Science Consultant

Retired Science Coordinator

I am a native of Memphis, Tennessee, where I received my strong religious and educational foundations that have sustained me during my life. My love for science and the desire to educate students were fostered during these nurturing years. I graduated as Salutatorian of my senior class of 300 students. I attended Spelman College on a full tuition scholarship and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Education.

Interests in science and the desire to help students achieve success in life have directed by career goals. My professional career began as a science teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools. I taught every science course from General Science, Biology, Microbiology, Physics to A.P.Science courses and all grades in elementary middle, and high school. All my science classes were enhanced by in-depth research and enrichment opportunities. The entire city of Atlanta was a “classroom” for my students. Many of my students would go to local colleges and universities to complete science research projects and to do more investigative exploration of scientific content. Several of my students won 1st place in local, state and international science competitions. One of my students who had a 1st place Aerospace science project was invited by NASA to a Space Shuttle Launch. My student and I were able to interact with Astronauts and NASA Administrators as we witnessed firsthand the launch of a Space Shuttle.

In 1985, I was promoted to Science Department Chairperson with supervisory duties and responsibilities over all science teachers at Southside Comprehensive High School. Five years later, I was blessed to be promoted to Science Resource Teacher for Area III of the Atlanta Public Schools in the North Atlanta Area. I supervised science instruction in all 50 elementary, middle and high schools. In 1993, I received a promotion to Science Curriculum Specialist for the Secondary Division of the Atlanta Public Schools. My duties and responsibilities involved the following(1) design and assist with the implementation of the curriculum;(2)supervise teachers in middle and high schools;(3)acquision of science resources for teachers; and(4) design research opportunities for teachers and students. I was blessed in 1996 to be promoted to Science Coordinator for all schools in the Atlanta Public School System. My duties and responsibilities included the coordination of the following(1) curriculum development and science instructional programs for all elementary, middle, and high schools;(2)acquisition of all science equipment and resources; and(3) organize science fairs, community projects, and higher education explorations. As Science Coordinator, I was instrumental in securing several million dollar plus grants, for the Atlanta Public Schools-Atlanta Systemic Initiative, SMSEA, etc. All my promotions afforded me opportunities to serve God by helping teachers and students achieve.

During my professional growth, I also achieved my personal goal by earning a Masters (M.Ed) in Science Education from Georgia State University. I continued to increase my knowledge by earning additional hrs. in science curriculum development, technology integration, research techniques and data collection.

In 1983, I was blessed to be invited by the Ministry of Education of Taiwan Republic of China. This trip provided opportunities for me to work on an international level with teachers and students. During my two week stay, I visited schools and conducted conferences and workshops with students and teachers. It is indeed evident after this visit that regardless of ethnicity, race or culture, all teachers want to do their best to assist their students in the mastery of scientific content and knowledge.

Due to God’s blessings and the success of my students and teachers, I have received the following honors and awards: Teacher of the Year –Smith High School, Teacher of the Year—Area II, Teacher of the Year-Atlanta Public Schools, Teacher of the Year-Atlanta Association of Educators ,Sigma IX Scientific Society of the University of Georgia Excellence in Education Award, Atlanta City Council Educator Award, Education Award-Georgia State University, Incentive Award for Excellence-Atlanta Public Schools and Star Teacher Award(2)

A desire to encourage students and adults to succeed in life has extended into involvement in church and community projects, I am a member of Cascade United Methodist church where I serve on several ministries: Higher Education and Campus Ministry (Chairperson of Campus Relations), Health and Wellness (Bible Study at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living), and Caregivers.

I am the proud parent of three outstanding children, Attorney Calvin Weis Blackburn III, Dr, Tajah L. Blackburn, and Jonathan A. Blackburn.

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