I graduated from Southland Academy in 1975.  I was the Valedictorian of my class.  I attended Georgia Southwestern College in 1979 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Language Arts and Social Science.  I graduated top of my class and received several academic scholarships to use toward my Master's Degree.  In 1982, I graduated with a Masters Degree in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southwestern College; I completed my Specialist Degree in Middle Grade Education from Georgia Southwestern College in 1988.  I have a Gifted Endorsement in Middle Grades Education.

My career began at Southland Academy in 1979.  I taught for nine years in middle school concentrating in sixth and seventh grade English.  Then I began my public school years at Lee County Middle School.  I taught seventh grade English/Gifted English for eleven years before moving to the eighth grade to teach English/Gifted English for three more years.  My teaching career continued at Schley County Elementary in the fifth grade teaching reading, math, and English.  After two years, I moved to the sixth grade to teach English.  I ended my public school career in the seventh grade teaching English/reading.  I have taught school for thirty-eight years.  I retired May 24, 2017 with 38 years of experience and one year of credited sick leave.  Last year, I began substitute teaching at Southland Academy.  I was elated when I was offered a position to teach part time this year.  On June 15, 2018, I accepted the position of teaching two classes of seventh grade English, one class of regular ninth grade English, and two semesters of Sophomore composition.

My name is Sheila Ann Kirkland.  I was born in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, November 8, 1956.  I have lived in Tampa, Florida; Slocomb, Alabama; and Americus, Georgia.  My parents are Steven (deceased) and Martha Kirkland.  Steve Kirkland, Jr., is my only sibling.  He was born five minutes after my second birthday.  

My hobbies include gardening and working in the yards, cooking/baking, cheering for the University of Alabama, and relaxing with my five cats.  I sometimes attend the Alabama games; however, most of the time. i like tail-gating with friends and family at home or in Alabama at my grandmother's home.  I love to fish, ride roller coasters, and go to gospel sings.  

My dream was to retire from public school teaching and return to Southland Academy for my final teaching years.  This year that dream became reality.  I believe that I have died and gone to Heaven.  Once again, i am able to enjoy the teaching profession and share my love for English with seventh graders and ninth graders.  My greatest challenge will be the Sophomore composition, but I love to write and express my thoughts.

If someone was to ask about Southland, I would describe it as this:  S is for the success that it has given me throughout life, O is for opportunity to be given the best education possible and be able to share it throughout life, U is for unity (that one family feeling); T is for tradition, H is for honesty and honor, L is for love (the love shared between students and staff/administrators and parents); A is for academics (always striving for the best in everything); N is for notability (excelling in sports and academics); and finally D is for diversity.

Go Raiders!!!  Roll Tide!!!