Teacher Bios
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Holly Campbell
Click HERE for Campbell's Class Schedule - coming soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Holly Campbell and I can’t wait to be your child’s kindergarten teacher! This will be my third year teaching at Buford Elementary School and my twelfth year of teaching. I spent three years teaching Georgia Pre-K and the rest have been wonderful years in kindergarten! I grew up in Vidalia, Georgia, and now live in Sugar Hill with my husband, Jared, our three-year-old son, Jackson and our sweet kitty, Luna. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family relaxing and being outdoors.
EDUCATION
Georgia Southern University – Early Childhood Education Georgia Southern University – Masters in Early Childhood Education |
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Kim Cheek
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[email protected] This will be my fifth year teaching kindergarten at Buford Elementary. I previously taught fourth grade for seven years in Jackson County. I love spending time with my three children when I am not teaching. Baseball and softball keep us very busy. I look forward to teaching your children this school year. Welcome to Buford!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education University of Georgia - Masters in Education |
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Kacy Claxton
Hi! I am so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year! I have been teaching kindergarten for 8 years and am so excited to be back at it again this year! This is my 4th year teaching at Buford Elementary. My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for 8 years. We have two little girls, Karsyn who is 6, and Harper who is 4. They both attend Buford as well and they are our pride and joy! If I am not at school, you will find me cheering on my girls at the softball fields, spending time with my family, shopping, getting my nails done, traveling to the beach or mountains, or watching baseball or football (Go Braves, Georgia Tech, and Falcons!). I am so blessed to be part of the Buford family and cannot wait to teach your child this year! It is going to be a great year! Go Wolves!! EDUCATION Gainesville College - Early Education Endorsements - Reading & ESOL |
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Libby Cleveland
Click HERE for Cleveland's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Libby Cleveland. I am so excited to be starting year 6 at BES! I taught first grade in Barrow County for 7 years. I took a few years off to be a full-time mommy. While my boys were young, I also taught 9 years in preschool before becoming part of the Buford family.
I have been married to my husband, Todd, for 23 years. We have two boys. Harrison will be a senior, and Parks will be in 9th grade at BHS. I love watching my boys play baseball, spending time with family and friends, and watching the Braves and Georgia football.....GO DAWGS!
I believe every child can be successful in a positive, encouraging, challenging, and loving environment. I love teaching this age. Kindergarten is such a blessing and so rewarding. I look forward to being your child’s teacher this year. It’s going to be an amazing awesome fabulous year!
EDUCATION Emmanuel College - Early Childhood Education |
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Amanda Cochran
Click HERE for Cochran's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Amanda Cochran and I am excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year! I have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten at Buford since 1998. Teaching at this level is my passion! I love watching how the students grow, mature, and begin to read. I cannot imagine a job more rewarding. I was raised in the Buford area and still call it home with my husband Sterling, our amazing son Gavin and our sweet Westie named Eevee. I love spending time with my family, reading and crafting. I am excited about the opportunity to grow with your child this year. Go wolves! EDUCATION Gainesville College and North Georgia College and State University - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Masters in Early Childhood Education |
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Amanda Douglas
Click HERE for Douglas' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello! My name is Amanda Douglas and I am so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year. This is my second year at Buford Elementary. This is my favorite grade to teach and I have both international and local teaching experience. I live in Buford with my husband and son, Chase. Chase is a rising third-grader at Buford Academy. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, traveling, and watching Alabama football. We absolutely love being a part of this school district and are proud to be Buford Wolves!
EDUCATION Georgia State University - Early Childhood Education |
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Becky Dudish
Click HERE for Dudish's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Becky Dudish and I am so excited to be your child's Kindergarten teacher this year! I am so excited to join the amazing staff at Buford Elementary! This is my 18th year teaching, most of those as a Kindergarten teacher! My husband, Tony and I have been married for 19 years and we have four children: Hudson-16, Walker-14, Finley-12, and Sawyer-10 (and the sweetest Goldendoodle named Bella). When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crafting, and learning how to make new things! I am looking forward to a great school year and go Wolves!
EDUCATION Emmanuel College-Early Childhood Education
Walden University-Master's in Reading and Literacy
ESOL endorsement
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Valerie Farrar
Click HERE for Farrar's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! I enjoyed working at Gwinnett County Public Schools for 10 years before receiving the opportunity to join the Buford Elementary family. I am really excited to call BES home since 2015. A few of my favorite things include spending time with my husband, Casey, and our daughter, Savannah. I enjoy traveling, crocheting, reading, camping, being outdoors, sports, Diet Dr. Pepper, Reese's, peanut M&M’s, Kit-Kats, dark chocolate, and Christmas ornaments. :-) I am excited about our upcoming school year! I believe that each child is a special treasure that will bloom with confidence and love in our classroom. I believe in a loving and positive, yet strict environment where students will know that they are safe, loved, and encouraged inside and outside of the classroom. I am so excited to meet you and the opportunity to pass along my love of learning to your child!
EDUCATION Piedmont College - Business Administration Mercer University - Masters in Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Gifted |
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Hollie Fuller
Click HERE for Fuller's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten at this very school! I am honored to share a smiling face and a warm heart each day with your child. As a BUFORD (K-12th grade) Alumni, I absolutely LOVE Buford City Schools! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my son, Eli Thomas, my husband Austin, family, and fishing! It is a privilege to teach your child here at the B.E.S.t elementary school.
EDUCATION
University of North Georgia - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College- Masters in Early Childhood Education Endorsements - Reading, ESOL, & Gifted |
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Tracy Gilmore
For the past 26 years, I have pursued my passion for education with my love for children. I have taught various grades in the field of special education, however, it has been the highlight of my career to serve my students and their families at the BESt school in the world, Buford Elementary, for the past 16 years!
EDUCATION Georgia State University - Social Work Georgia State University - Masters in Special Education Piedmont University - Specialists in Curriculum and Instruction Trained in - Orton Gillingham approach to reading & Linda Mood Bell programs |
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Kerri Griffin
Click HERE for Griffin's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Mrs. Kerri Griffin and I am your child’s teacher this year. I am a graduate of Toccoa Falls College where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in ESOL. I love learning and continued my education at The University of Georgia where I received both my Master’s Degree & Specialist’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Go Dawgs! This will be my 18th year as a Kindergarten teacher. I LOVE Kindergarten...it's such a magical place of learning & growth! My husband, Derek, and I have been married for 17 years and we live in Buford with our three little boys, Jack (11), Reed (8) & Luke (2). All three boys attend Buford City Schools & we are proud to be Wolves! We love spending time together whether it be with our extended family that lives locally, at the boys’ football & baseball games, or with friends and our Gwinnett Church family.
EDUCATION
Toccoa Falls College-Bachelors in Early Childhood Education The University of Georgia- Masters in Early Childhood Education
The University of Georgia- Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education
Endorsements-ESOL
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Andrea Hill
Click HERE for Griffin's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! I am a proud Buford High School Alumni and I'm thrilled to be teaching in the same school district I grew up in! I have been married to my husband, Brian, for eighteen years. We have two children. My son Tyler will be graduating from Buford High School this year and my daughter Emmakate is in her last year at the Buford Senior Academy. If I’m not at school you will most likely find me at the ballfields cheering on my kids. I feel so blessed to be teaching in such an amazing school district! In my classroom, I try to create a fun, positive, and academically challenging environment, but most importantly a loving environment for my students. I'm looking forward to a great school year GO WOLVES!
EDUCATION North Georgia College Business Administration Degree
WGU Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education K-8
Endorsements: Gifted and ESL
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Lori Hogle
Click HERE for Neal's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] This year will be my 29th year of teaching! I have taught in various grades within 2 states and 4 counties, however, the majority of those years have been spent right here at BES!!! My passion lies at this early stage of learning....where it all begins! I love spending time outdoors with my family, either on the lake or camping! My husband Grant and I have been married 27 years and have 3 wonderful children, 1 new son-in-law, and 3 Golden Retrievers that keep us on our toes! Natalie is 23, Gabrielle is 20, and Zach is 16 and a junior at BHS! I can't wait to get this year started and instill a love of learning in your children!
EDUCATION
Western Michigan University - Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
University of N. Georgia - Masters in Special EducationPiedmont University - Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction |
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Lindy Holton
Click HERE for Holton's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] This is my eighth year teaching at BES! I previously taught third grade for six years with Gwinnett County Public Schools. I am truly honored and blessed to be a part of our community, our school system, and BES- Believing in the Excellence of Students! My husband Bobby and I, along with our family, reside in Hoschton, GA. Bobby is a former firefighter and currently works as a home inspector. We have four beautiful children: Mackenzie, Makayla, Tucker, and Maci. They keep us extremely busy with all of their sports and activities! We also enjoy spending as much time as we can at the lake and at the beach! =) My family and teaching are my passion! I am so excited to teach your children this year! My family and I are SO very proud and blessed to be a part of the Buford family! Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
Georgia State University - Psychology Brenau - Masters Early Childhood Education Brenau - Education Specialist Early Childhood Education Endorsements - Gifted |
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Ally Humphrey
Click HERE for Dillard's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Ally Holcomb and I am so excited to be your child's Kindergarten teacher this year! This is my first year teaching at Buford Elementary School. I am a proud Buford alumnus and am thrilled to be teaching in the school system that raised me into who I am today! I am engaged to my fiancé, Luke, and we have been together for almost six years. We are getting married next summer! We also have a puppy named Keeper who we absolutely adore. I graduated from the University of Georgia this past May with a degree in Elementary Education and am currently working towards my Master's degree. GO DAWGS! I am looking forward to this school year and getting to know a new group of students and parents. We are going to have the best year ever!!
EDUCATION University of Georgia - Elementary Education |
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Laura Kell
Click HERE for Kell's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I am thrilled to be in my 30th year of teaching and all have been at Buford Elementary! I am a Buford alum and am blessed to work at Buford Elementary. I am looking forward to this year being the BESt and getting to know a new group of students and parents. My experience as a homeroom teacher includes teaching K, 1st, and 2nd grade. I also spent ten years as a special area math teacher and 3 as an EIP teacher. My husband, Lawrence, and I have been married for 28 years. We have two sons. Preston recently graduated from the University of North Georgia and is a starting graduate school at Clemson. Landon graduated from the University of Georgia and has recently joined the staff at Alford Elementary. I enjoy going to the beach, reading, watching movies, and playing games. I bleed red and black- GO DAWGS!
EDUCATION University of Georgia - BS in Early Childhood Education University of Georgia - Masters in Early Childhood Education Lincoln Memorial University - Specialist in Administration and Supervision Endorsements - ESOL |
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Kathy King
Click HERE for King's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! My name is Kathy King. I have been teaching kindergarten at Buford Elementary for the past 11 years. I taught kindergarten for 6 years in Gwinnett County before having my children. I was so fortunate to be able to stay home with my boys for 10 years. I always knew that I wanted to teach kindergarten from a very early age. I would set up my stuffed animals and younger brother as my classroom. My dream certainly came true!! I have been married to my high-school sweetheart, Kevin, for 28 years. We have two wonderful boys. Taylor is a junior at Georgia Southern University and Jackson is a freshman at UGA.
I am looking forward to us working together to make this a successful school year. Please feel free to contact me, should you have any questions/concerns regarding your child’s kindergarten experience. Welcome to the Buford Family!!! GO WOLVES!! EDUCATION
West Georgia College - Early Childhood Education |
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Kelly Manders
Click HERE for Manders' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] I am thrilled to start my third year at Buford Elementary School teaching kindergarten and I am excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher! After a career in business, I decided to make a change to education, and every day I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith to become a teacher. I previously taught 2nd grade at Dunwoody Elementary and spent two years teaching 4 and 5-year old children at a private pre-school. I grew up in Athens, Georgia, and married Brandon Manders. We love UGA and Athens – Go Dawgs! Buford has been our home for 20 years and we feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school and community. Brandon is Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at BMS. We have 2 daughters: Emma a 10th grader who loves to play softball and Lila a 5th grader who enjoys gymnastics and cheer. As a family, we enjoy attending UGA football games, camping, traveling, and we love the beach! My goal is to provide a fun and engaging classroom where every student is valued and loved. It is going to be a fabulous year in Mrs. Manders’ classroom! Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Bachelors of Business Administration University of Georgia - Masters of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education Endorsement - Reading Endorsement - Gifted |
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Kryslyn Moore
Click HERE for Dillard's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hi! I am so excited to be teaching your child this year! I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019, go dawgs! Previously, I taught Kindergarten for 2 years in Gwinnett County. I fell in love with teaching when I was in the Education Pathway class at Buford High School.
As a Buford Alumni, I am so excited to be back in the Buford City School system again! When I am not teaching I love watching movies, playing with my puppy, watching sports (gymnastics and football), and spending time with family. I can’t wait to be your child’s teacher this year! Go wolves!
EDUCATION University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education Endorsements - ESOL
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Lynn Perkins
Click HERE for Perkins' Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] My name is Lynn Perkins and I am so excited to be teaching your child this year. I have taught kindergarten at Buford Elementary School for 24 years. I have been married to Daren Perkins for 24 years and we have three children. Tyler, Dalton, and Abbi. We enjoy watching sports together and going to the beach. I look forward to spending each day with your child and promise to treat and care for them like they are my own. I look forward to a great school year. Go Wolves!
EDUCATION
Georgia Southwestern - Early Childhood Education Piedmont College - Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Piedmont College - Specialists in Curriculum and Instruction |
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Lora Risley
Click HERE for Risley's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello! I am thrilled to be teaching at Buford Elementary this school year. I have been teaching since 2000 with many years teaching Kindergarten. I have experience in both special and general education environments. Early intervention is key, and I strongly believe in building positive relationships with all students and families. My goal is to create a loving, positive, and structured environment where students can thrive and love to come to school. I have three boys. My oldest is Alex who is 28, Drew is 21, and Wyatt is 11 and will be attending Buford Senior Academy. We enjoy sports as a family, especially wrestling. I love UT and UGA football, the lake, mountains, and any adventure. I am looking forward to my new adventure teaching Kindergarten at BES. Welcome to Buford
EDUCATION Coming Soon
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Bailey Schaefer
Click HERE for Dillard's Class Schedule - Coming Soon
[email protected] Hello! My name is Bailey Dillard and I am so excited to be your child's kindergarten teacher this year. This is my first year teaching as I have recently graduated from the University of Georgia (go dawgs!). I am thrilled to begin my teaching journey here at Buford Elementary School. I have an older brother, Bryce who is the Director of Basketball Operations for the Women's Basketball team at Mercer University. My mom is also a high school girl's basketball coach and my dad is a former college athlete, so our family loves to be a part of sports in any capacity! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my chocolate lab puppy named Gunnar, and spending lots of time in the sunshine. :)
I am looking forward to an amazing year in Kindergarten at Buford Elementary and meeting your child soon!
EDUCATION Elementary Education - University of Georgia |
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Leslie Sheppard
Click HERE Sheppard's Class Schedule with Mrs. Claxton - Coming Soon
[email protected]
EDUCATION Michigan State University – Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education – with an endorsement in Emotional Impairments. Lincoln Memorial University – Education Specialist in Leadership and Administration |
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Leanne Tarleton
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[email protected] I have wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old. I can't think of doing anything else. I absolutely love spending the day with 5 and 6-year-olds. Every single day brings something different! My favorite day of the school year is when I look around our room and every single child is reading independently. It is an amazing sight! Reading opens the door for any new adventure. I love teaching and am so thankful I am at BES.
My family is my greatest blessing. I am married to Bryan and we have two sons, Connor, who just graduated from UGA, and Cole, who is a junior at North GA. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with them. We enjoy sports and anything outside. If I am not with them, I enjoy shopping, reading, and cooking.
EDUCATION West Georgia College - Early Education University of Georgia - Masters in Education Endorsements - Reading |
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Melanie Watson
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[email protected] I love teaching Kindergarten at Buford Elementary! I taught Kindergarten and First Grade with Gwinnett County Public Schools for 4 years before I had children, and this is my eighth year at Buford. My husband Brian and I have been happily married for 25 years and have been blessed with 3 children. Noah is a senior at UGA and Abbey is a freshman at GCSU. Caleb is in 8th grade at Buford Middle. When I’m not teaching, I love to read, watch college football, go to the lake and go camping. I am looking forward to an amazing year with your child! It is such an honor to get to do what I love every day at the best school in the world! Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns. It is my goal to partner with you to help your child reach their full potential as well as develop a love of learning and school!
EDUCATION
University of Georgia - Early Childhood Education - Go Dawgs!!! |