SaMantha “SaM” Shields is a passionate reader, writer, and educator.  A sixth year teacher, debate coach, and spelling bee coordinator at Pershing Middle School, Sam is dedicated to her students’ development as readers, writers, and thinkers.   Sam, who was recognized as a highly effective teacher by Battelle for Kids, believes that everyone has a powerful voice that can enact change.  She joined WITS in 2011.