Hi, my name is LaSauna Appling. I am so blessed to be your child's teacher this year.
This year will be my 23rd as an educator, and I have taught every elementary grade except 1st. This will be my 3rd year at Buford Academy, and I am ECSTATIC to be teaching all subjects this year! I love children and being a part of the process that helps them grow and learn. I am extremely excited to work with your children and look forward to developing a personal relationship with each one of them, as well as you. I am a firm believer in communication, so please don’t ever hesitate to reach out. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Emory University, and Master’s (Reading and Literacy) and Specialist’s (Teacher Leadership) from Walden University. I also have a certificate as a reading specialist and my gifted endorsement. Although I am originally from California, I have been in Georgia for 26 years. My wonderful husband, Bryant, and I just celebrated our 11th year anniversary this summer! Bryant is a teacher and the head football coach at BHS. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children- Bryauna is 9 and will be in 4th grade, Brendon is 7 and will be in 2nd grade, and Landry is 5. I can’t believe he will be in Kindergarten this year! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes going to Friday night football games (Go Wolves!), cooking, playing games, and watching movies together. Again, I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year. I can’t wait to begin exploring and learning together! 2nd grade is going to be such an AWESOME ADVENTURE! |
Hi, my name is Jessica Bennett! I will be teaching math and science for our team! This is my sixth year teaching 2nd grade at Buford Academy. I am excited for another great year in 2nd grade! I absolutely love being a part of the Buford family!
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia in 2013. I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University in 2016. While earning my Master’s degree, I also earned my endorsement in Gifted Education. My husband Jacob and I have been married for five years. We have been blessed with two beautiful children, Brynlee (2) and Brooks who was born on May 22nd! We love spending time with our family and friends. Jacob and I also love cheering on the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle) and the Atlanta Braves. I feel so blessed that I get to do what I love each and every day. I cannot wait to get to know your child and watch them grow this year! We will make lots of fun memories and learn so much together! Thank you for sharing your precious children with me! We are going to have the BEST year together! |
Hi, my name is Lauren Dean! I will be teaching Language Arts and Social Studies for our team. This is my twelfth year of teaching, and my third at Buford Academy. My previous teaching experience was in third grade with Gwinnett County Public Schools. I graduated with my B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, and I am gifted endorsed. I am also a recent graduate of the Teachers as Leaders program.
I have an amazing daughter named Gracie. She is 7 years old and will be a second grader this fall at Buford Academy. We both LOVE being part of the Buford family! In my free time, I love being with my family and friends. Born and raised here in Georgia, I am most definitely a fan of watching the Dawgs, Falcons, and Braves! I also enjoy reading and watching movies. Finally, I LOVE being a teacher. Hanging out with kids all day and watching them learn and grow as individuals is AWESOME! I am definitely blessed to be in this profession. I'm looking forward to a great year full of learning, success, and FUN! Thank you for trusting me with your child. I can't wait to meet all of you! Welcome to BA! |
Hi! I am Mrs. Womack and I am thrilled to be your child's second grade teacher for English Language Arts and Social Studies at Buford Academy this year! This is my tenth year teaching, with nine years experience in first grade, and one year experience in third grade.
Before moving to Buford, I taught in Carroll County and Cobb County. Some of my hobbies include reading children’s books aloud, organizing spaces, and having fun with Google technology. I also enjoy gardening with my husband Ryan and playing with my two precious children Ava Ross (6) and William (3). Our family has been so blessed and I am grateful every day to be a Buford Wolf! Thank you for sharing your child with me. I look forward to a phenomenal second grade year together! Mrs. Womack’s Education:
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Hi, I am Bobby Dubay. I will be teaching math and science on our team. I took the Path Less Traveled Into Education and it Has Made All the Difference...
I did not grow up, like many, dreaming of being a teacher. Instead, the idea was always planted somewhere within me but only took shape later in my life. I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Political Science and had plans to continue my studies in Public Administration. However, a series of fortunate events led me into the classroom. My first eight years of teaching have been everything that I could have imagined. I am blessed with being a big part of the lives of young people as they develop both academically and personally. Somewhere along the way, my dreams have turned into reality. I recently married my longtime girlfriend Brooke. We are the parents to 4 fur children – 2 dogs and 2 cats. We love to travel and see the world together! During my free time away from school, I enjoy following my favorite sports teams including the Braves, Steelers, and the Georgia Southern Eagles. Although I don't get out nearly as much as I'd like, playing golf and tennis are always welcome diversions! |
Hello new 2nd graders, and welcome to Buford Academy! My name is Stephanie Perry, and the 2019-2020 school year will mark my 16th year of teaching! I have taught at Buford Academy for the last twelve years! I am an alumni of Buford City Schools, attending from kindergarten through graduation in 2000. I then enrolled in North Georgia College and State University, where I studied to receive my B.S. in Early Childhood/Special Education in 2004. Not long after graduation, I attended NGCSU again to receive my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007. While earning my Master's Degree, I also earned my endorsement in Gifted Education. In addition, I completed my ESOL endorsement in 2012. In May 2016, I completed my Ed.S. degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University. I was nominated as the Buford Academy Teacher of the Year for 2012-2013! I love teaching and feel so blessed that I get to do what I love, in a school system that I love, everyday!
I recently married my husband, Randy, in May 2018, and we currently live in Flowery Branch with my son, Carter, and my two stepsons, Jackson and Ryland. Jackson is a tenth grade student at BHS, while Carter and Ryland are both sixth grade students at BMS. We love being part of the Buford family! I strongly believe that it takes a village to raise a child. I want to build our home-school connection so that we all can work together as a village to impact our children! Here at Buford Academy and in my classroom, we strive to build community and family values in our students. My goal for this year is for students to make great academic gains while becoming responsible, independent learners. I also want my students to leave school everyday knowing they are loved and cared for while in our classrooms! It's going to be an amazing year! |
Hey, there! I am Mrs. Raspotnik and I am so excited to be your child's 2nd grade teacher at Buford Academy this year! I cannot wait to make this the BEST YEAR EVER!
I have been married to my husband Mark for 5 years, and I love our life! In my free time, I enjoy working out, teaching swimming lessons, tutoring, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family. Teaching Experience: This year will be my 16th year of teaching. I have experience teaching both 2nd and 3rd grade. I am certified in special education, as well as gifted education. In 2014, I had the honor of participating in the Teachers as Leaders Program for Gwinnett County. Additionally, I was the Teacher of the Year at R.D. Head Elementary in 2015, and was chosen as a Top 25 Semi-Finalist for Teacher of the Year in Gwinnett County. My Teaching Philosophy: Making children number one is my teaching philosophy. It is crucial to help all children feel special, which is what I work towards each and every day. Teachers should determine the best way that a child learns which will ultimately help them to feel more successful in order for them to perform to the best of their abilities. By working together, building community will motivate my students to work as a team in order to be the strongest that we can be! I strive to communicate thoroughly with each of my children in order to help them trust and feel comfortable with me, and to help our relationship grow stronger and stronger. My classes will be strong, excited about learning, and successful by utilizing a positive attitude, enthusiasm for learning, involving a variety of learning techniques into the classroom, and demonstrating strong communication. With each of these attributes combined, I want to build a group of leaders who will be prepared to act as leaders in their communities and in their futures. The children in my classes are guided to work hard in order to go above and beyond, and accept all of the challenges that they may face by learning to take risks. Education: Georgia Southern University: Bachelor of Science in Education 2003 Piedmont College: Master of Arts Degree 2006 Piedmont College: Education Specialist Degree 2011 |
Hi, my name is Taylor May. I will be teaching math and science on our team. This is my sixth year teaching 2nd grade at Buford Academy. I am so excited for another year with a wonderful 2nd grade team! I feel so blessed to be your child's teacher!
I am a graduate of Buford High School, and I attended Buford City Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I know first hand just how special Buford really is! I LOVE the town of Buford along with the amazing community and traditions that surround us. I am so blessed and excited to be teaching right where my own education began! My husband, Michael, and I have been married for 4 years and we are loving married life together at our home in Braselton. He is a teacher and a football coach at Buford High School. You an always find me at Tom Riden Stadium on Friday nights cheering on the Wolves! When I am not teaching or cheering on my coach at the football field , I enjoy reading, making crafts, working out and cooking. Thank you so much for sharing your precious children with me each and every day! My goal for the school year is for my students to make big academic gains while also learning important life skills that will impact their futures. Rest assured that they will be loved, learn many new things, share precious memories and have loads of fun in room 370! Education Experience: BA in Early Childhood Education LaGrange College M.Ed in Early Childhood Education Kennesaw State University Gifted Endorsement Kennesaw State University |
Hi, I am Mandie Johnson. I will be teaching ELA and Social Studies for our team! I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University in 2006. My first two years of teaching I spent in Gwinnett County, teaching Kindergarten and First. I am now beginning 14th year teaching, and my 12th year teaching at Buford Academy. Since joining Buford City Schools, I have taught Second and Fourth, and definitely love Second the BEST! I truly love reading and hope to foster a love of reading for your children as well. I grew up in Duluth, GA, but consider Buford to be my home. I am married to Coach Justin Johnson who teaches math at Buford High School. He also coaches football and golf. We love our wolves! Together we have three children, Blakeley (9), Mattie (6), and Camden (3). When I'm not teaching, I love spending time with my family, running, reading, and shopping! I am so excited to be teaching your sweet children this year! |
Hi, my name is Meghan Hunt, and I will be your child's math and science teacher this year! I'm excited to start my fifth year at Buford Academy and my eleventh year teaching altogether. Before I came to the Academy, I taught in Gwinnett County for six years. I am so glad I made the switch to become a Wolf and truly believe there is no better place to teach!
I graduated from the University of Georgia with both my undergrad and Masters degree in Early Childhood Education (Go Dawgs!). I then went on to complete my Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have my Gifted, ESOL, and Reading Endorsements. My husband, Jeff, and I just celebrated our 12 year anniversary! We have been blessed with two children, Hailey (7) and Harrison (4). They are both little Wolves with Harrison at the daycare, and Hailey will be joining me in 2nd grade this year! I can't wait to spend this year with your child and see how much they change and grow. We are going to have so much fun learning and making memories. Thank you for sharing them with me! |
Welcome to 2nd grade. My name is Twila Minshew. I am excited about being your child’s ELA and social studies teacher. The students are the reason I am here!
This is my 8th year teaching at Buford Academy. In my years of experience, I have taught Pre-K through fifth grade and PE. I have also coached volleyball, basketball, swimming, and children’s triathlons. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I earned my Masters in Adult Education and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Development. I also have my Gifted, ESOL, and Reading endorsements. My husband Frank and I are blessed with four wonderful children; Matt, Whit, Kyla, and Dustin. We also have 3 fun, energetic grandsons; Desmond, Walker, and Teddy. Frank and I enjoy spending time with our family and friends. We also enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and traveling. We spent this summer mountain biking and biking gravel trails around the Midwest and Southeastern parts of the United States. In my spare time, I like reading, writing, going on fun adventures, and spending time with my LaLa babies. I am excited about this year and look forward to meeting each of my students. They will build special friendships and learn many new things. We are going to have a great year! |
Hi, my name is Misty Carey. I have been part of this amazing school system for 20 years in second grade! Teaching in Buford and being in second grade was and still is my “dream” job.
My husband (Michael) and I live in Braselton. We have three kids and a six pound Maltipoo dog named Peaches. My oldest, Chase, is a senior this year! He is a two-time Angler of the Year at Buford High School and part of the high school Fishing Team. Gracie will be a freshman. She is a BHS basketball player. Bryce is at the Senior Academy in fourth grade. He is our very own Buford Football player. Our kids keep us very busy. We usually spend our weekends during the school year at Buford Football games, Buford Basketball games and/or at Bass Fishing Tournaments. Our summer weekends are spent at the lake. We also love to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs! Go Dawgs! Thank you for sharing your child with me each day! I promise to treat them like I would my own and love them each day! I am looking forward to a great school year! Education Experience: BA in Early Childhood Education University of North Georgia M.Ed in Early Childhood Education Brenau University Gifted Endorsement: Piedmont College |
Welcome to Buford Academy! I am Tyler Smallwood, and I am so excited to be your child’s second grade ELA and Social Studies teacher this school year. This will be my 2nd year at Buford Academy, and I am so excited for what’s to come! I graduated from Georgia Southern University (Go Eagles!) with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I also graduated with a Masters Degree with an endorsement in Reading from GSU. Additionally, I have recently earned a Gifted Certification with Piedmont College.
In my time at Georgia Southern University, I learned how to successfully maintain a positive learning environment for all students, which is a primary feature you will see in my classroom. I strongly believe that the classroom should be an interactive, engaging, and creative space for all students to succeed. My Fiancé, Seth, and I love hiking with our pup, relaxing on the lake, and traveling the world together. I am so eager for another great year at Buford Academy! I can’t wait to share special memories and love on your student this school year! |
Welcome to second grade! My name is Diane May, and I will be your child’s Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. I love helping children fall in love with reading and writing. I feel so blessed to be a teacher and be able to make a difference in a young child’s life! I love seeing children smile as they are having fun with their learning!
I have been teaching for 28 years. I received my bachelor's degree at Delta State University in Mississippi, my Masters of Early Childhood at UGA, and my Specialist's degree at Piedmont College. I am also very blessed as a wife and mother! I have been married for 34 wonderful years. My husband, Dicky, is coaching football at Buford High School. My daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Jared, have made me a very proud grandmother with two beautiful little girls, Madison and Ava Grace. My son, Michael, is married to Taylor who also teaches 2nd grade at BA. Michael is a teacher and a football coach at Buford High School. My family is truly special to me, and we love making memories together! I am very excited to get to know your sweet child this year! In my classroom, I have a ‘Super Hero’ theme, for I believe every child has a Super Hero within just waiting to be discovered! Nothing is more exciting to me than to watch a child bloom to be the best he/she can be! I feel parent/teacher communication is vital in a child’s education and well-being. Therefore, I look forward to working with you to help make this a SUPER year for your child! |
Hi, my name is Ellen Craven! I will be teaching math and science for our team this year. This is my first year teaching 2nd grade at Buford Academy. I taught 3rd grade at Buford Academy for 2 years, and Pre-K for 6 years. I have loved being a part of the Buford family!
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University in 2011. I completed my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia this summer! I have been married to Andrew for 8 years. We have two children, Daniel and Caroline. Daniel is 5 and begins Kindergarten at Buford Elementary this year! Caroline is 2 and full of energy. We are also very excited to be expecting our third child in January, 2019! I love being a teacher, and there is no better place to teach than Buford. I feel lucky to have your child in my class this year, and I can’t wait to get this wonderful year started! |
Hi, I am Kay Humble. I will be your child's 2nd grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. This is my 24th year teaching, and I honestly CAN NOT believe it!! Each year brings so much excitement with precious children to guide and teach!! I consider teaching a “calling” on my life. It is my passion, love, and gift to share. I consider teaching your child a great responsibility, and it is my sincere desire each day to teach your children as if they were my own.
I attended the University of Georgia, and graduated with a BS in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. I received a Master’s in Reading, Language, and Literacy from UNC-Charlotte. I also earned my gifted endorsement from the University of Georgia. I have been married to my husband, Charley, for 24 years! We are both from Dalton, Georgia. We began our lives together in Charlotte, North Carolina, but it didn’t take long for us to bring our roots back home to Georgia!! Charley and I have 3 children.... Actually, 2 teenagers, and a 20 year old!! Mary Helen is a Junior at UGA!! GO Dawgs!!! Andrew is a SENIOR, here at BHS!! And, my youngest, Jack, is a Sophomore at BHS. Needless to say, our lives are busy, but I LOVE every minute of it!!! We are blessed!!! Your children will also hear me talk about our two dogs!! Bear and Beau bring much JOY to our home as well!! They are part of our family!! When I am not teaching, I cherish spending time with Charley and our children who are quickly growing up!! These years seem to be going by faster and faster!! I also enjoy time with family close by and not so close... Family is important to me!! Friend time is a treasure as well!! Reading, going to the movies, riding bikes, walking (and trying to run), are a few of my favorite things too!! I am excited to be your child’s teacher!! We are going to have an awesome year!! |
Hi! My name is Amanda Fontenot and I am teaching math and science for our team this school year. Last year Kay and I were a team and are thrilled to be together again. This will be my second year at Buford Academy. I taught Georgia Pre-K for 4 years prior to that and spent several years at home with my kids. I have a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education form Shorter University and I just received my gifted endorsement.
I have been married to my husband Joe for almost 13 years. He is a gift and I am blessed to call him my husband. We have 2 wonderful children. If you are wondering about our name, my husband is from south Louisiana and "Fontenot" is a very common name there. I grew up in Buford and 4 generations of my family live and have lived in Gwinnett county! Our kids are awesome! Bryce, who will be 11 in September, is a sweet kid who has a true gift for athletics. Madelyn is 6 and in 1st grade here at the academy. She is a spunky little girly girl who loves anything glittery and pink! We have a mixed breed dog named Beatrice and she is just a gem. All 4 of us are animal lovers and enjoy learning about science topics. When I am not teaching, I like to create and organize spaces. I am always trying to make a space work better, so don't fall in love with my furniture placement, you never know when I may switch it up. I love movies, shopping and Starbucks. I am excited to be one of your child's teachers this year. Its going to be a good year. I can feel it! |