LESLIE MILLS
- info126640
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15

Leslie Mills enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades as a classroom mathematics teacher and 18 years as a First District RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) mathematics consultant. Throughout her career, Leslie’s involvement with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) became integral to her work.
Leslie first connected with PAGE as a senior at Georgia Southern College in 1974-75, where joining a teacher organization was a prerequisite for student teaching. Over the years, her involvement deepened significantly—she became a PAGE building representative and later served on its Board of Directors from 2006 to 2016, including a term as PAGE President in 2014-2015.

Her motivation to join PAGE stemmed from its stance as an independent non-partisan professional organization dedicated to educators' welfare under the motto “Kids Are Our Business.” Initially attracted by its liability coverage, Leslie appreciated PAGE's homegrown, Georgia-centric approach, which resonated with her professional values and regional pride.
Leslie’s tenure at PAGE was marked by pivotal moments that enhanced its influence and outreach. Around 2010, she identified a growing need for training instructional coaches as school districts began creating these roles. Responding to this, PAGE collaborated with First District RESA to offer professional learning sessions led by nationally renowned speakers, providing valuable training and support to instructional coaches throughout southeast Georgia. This initiative not only bolstered PAGE's membership but also reinforced its commitment to professional development across the state.
Challenges during her tenure included refining the selection process for PAGE's Board of Directors. The organization transitioned from a less formal nomination system to a rigorous selection process involving applications, resumes, and interviews to ensure the highest quality leadership.
Leslie's favorite memories with PAGE include events like the PAGE Summer Conference at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, where the professional atmosphere was notably enhanced by hiring a professional moderator, which epitomized PAGE's growth and professionalization.
As for PAGE's evolution, Leslie noted its initial perception as mainly a liability insurance provider, but recognized its significant expansion into professional learning. She recognizes that despite recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person visibility and the mode of operation, there remain opportunities for PAGE to further increase its in-person engagements, particularly in rural areas where educators highly value face-to-face interactions and tailored support.
Leslie's legacy wish for PAGE is to continue bridging the gap between the organization and rural educators, ensuring that their specific needs are addressed efficiently. She highlights the importance of PAGE’s ability to serve educators dealing with increasingly diverse student populations, including those who speak English as a second language.
Her vision for PAGE’s future includes maintaining a strong presence in local communities, fostering direct and impactful relationships with educators, and prioritizing professional learning that meets the evolving needs of teachers and students alike.