Sam Edwards Gilbert, Ph.D.

Sam Gilbert received her undergraduate degree at The University of Mississippi in Elementary Education with a concentration in English and Science in 2013. Following graduation, she completed her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and Language Arts at the University of Mississippi during the summer of 2014. While completing her M.Ed., Gilbert had the opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant in the School of Education.

After completing her Master’s degree, Gilbert worked at Batesville Intermediate School for the South Panola School District as a second grade teacher from 2014 until 2018. 

During the fall of 2018, Gilbert returned to The University of Mississippi to work as a Graduate Instructor while pursuing her Ph.D. in Elementary Education. Along with being an instructor and student, she also worked with second grade students for her research, tutored lower elementary students, worked with TeachLive in the School of Education, and served on a high-quality instructional materials curriculum committee with the Mississippi Department of Education.

Gilbert successfully defended her dissertation, Instilling Motivation, Embracing Mistakes, and Fostering Grit: Using a Rubik’s Cube in Elementary Classrooms, in July of 2021. Her research focuses on using a deliberate practice to teach grit and growth mindset to elementary students.

Gilbert is currently a clinical assistant professor in Teacher Education at The University of Mississippi where she teaches curriculum instruction and reading courses to undergraduate education majors. In addition, Gilbert is also the TeachLive Program Coordinator, along with the Elementary Education Coordinator.