The Buford City School System recently honored the 2018-2019 Buford City School System Teacher of the Year. This year’s winner is Ms. Lynda Fouquette. Fouquette teaches ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) Language Arts at Buford High School.
Lynda Fouquette earned her BS in Elementary and Special Education from Troy University and her Master’s degree in Special Education at Chapman University. Ms. Fouquette has been an educator for 32 years. Her previous teaching experience was gained in Germany, Maryland, South Carolina, and California. Fouquette started teaching at Buford in 1999 after moving to Georgia with her husband, Kevin and daughter, Brittany.
When asked what sets Buford apart from the other places she has taught in, Ms. Fouquette states, “Buford isn’t just a school system, it is a family! It is a unique community that loves and supports ALL students regardless of their abilities and disabilities.”
Ms. Fouquette’s students have many unique needs having just arrived in the United States. She exclaims, “my students are taken care of by the school and community.” The list of ways that BCSS supports her students are too many to list but the support can range from providing dress code clothes and coats to tutoring and school supplies.
Fouquette and her students have a special bond and even call her their “American mom”. Her students claim that she “takes care of them like their mama, but at school.” When asked what makes Ms. Fouquette such an outstanding teacher, Buford High School principal Mr. Ed Shaddix exclaims, “She loves students and is passionate about helping them improve.”
Ms. Fouquette says she’s honored to be the BCSS 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year. She explains that her students are the ones that are most excited of her award. In the past her students would tell her she deserved an award. “ In this time of political unrest, by honoring me, you are honoring them. The district is saying what I teach is important and who I teach is important.” says Ms. Fouquette.
“Linda is a very dedicated educator that always puts the students first. I am personally elated that someone that gives so much to Buford is being recognized for her work.”
— Mr. Ed Shaddix, BHS Principal
