Elite Scholars Academy
Social Studies Department Chair
Academic Decathlon Coach
2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024
Georgia State Champions
2025, 2026 Georgia State Runner-Up
6X United States Academic Decathlon National Finals Participant
This web site is for students and parents in Mr. Smith's social studies classes at Elite Scholars Academy (Jonesboro, GA) as an introduction. Each page for Cambridge Psychology, AP US Government & Politics, AP Macroeconomics, and Humanities/Academic Decathlon includes information such as class syllabus, an overview of the course, and the Course and Exam Description for AP courses. All course work and class information during school is managed on Canvas. This is accessed through the CCPS Portal.
Mr. Smith's Email Address: clifford.smith@clayton.k12.ga.us
About Mr. Smith
Education
Berry College - B.A., History, Music
Mercer University - M.Ed., Social Studies Education
Mercer University - Ed.S., Teacher Leadership
Gifted Endorsement, Google Certified Educator, MimioStudio Educator, MimioStudio Integrator Badge
Prior to teaching, I spent a decade working in the private sector as an auditor, manager, corporate trainer, and technical writer in the fields of background employment screening and health insurance. This is my 23rd year as a teacher and I have taught at five schools ranging from 7th grade to 12th grade, including a year at Ningbo International School in China. This is my 12th year at Elite Scholars Academy. I have taught a wide range of Advanced Placement courses including AP US History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Psychology, AP US Government & Politics, and several Cambridge International courses. My professional experience includes writing curriculum for US History and Economics, serving as department chair, grade level chair, lead teacher, and coaching academic quiz bowl and decathlon, basketball, and track and field. I have served as a reader and table leader for AP US History. I have been honored with several awards in teaching including three Clayton County STAR Teacher recognitions, ESA Teacher of the Year, Finalist for Clayton County Teacher of the Year, and nominated three times for Georgia History Teacher of the Year. Outside of school, I am a musician (bass guitar and tuba), Scout leader, avid sports fan, camper, angler, former collegiate and amateur rugby player, avid reader, food lover, traveler, attend Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA (member of music ministry) and I'm a proud father of Finn and Jolene (10-year old twins) and husband to Ms. Brakebill. The last part is my favorite!
