This year’s Teacher of the Year for Buford Elementary got her first experience with Buford City Schools volunteering at Buford Academy when her son first started going to Buford after moving from a small private school. Mrs. April Graddick fell in love with the school system and the second year her children attended Buford she started to substitute teach at Buford. Mrs. Graddick was hired the very next year to teach and has been teaching for six years now at Buford Elementary. 

Mrs. Graddick is an Interventionist at BES. She teaches Reading, Handwriting, and Math to students who need a little extra help. Graddick has a total of eighteen years teaching experience. Prior to teaching at BES, Mrs. Graddick has taught in South Carolina, Tennessee, and at Southland Academy in Americus, Georgia. She obtained her bachelor’s in childhood psychology at Ohio State University and later obtained her Master’s and Teaching Certificate at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC.

Graddick says she always wanted to be a teacher but originally got her degree in Childhood Psychology. It wasn’t until her first child was born that she decided to return to school for her master’s degree and teaching certification. She feels that her psychology background has been a tremendous asset in helping her to understand her students and their development.

Since every child does not learn the same, Mrs. Graddick’s tries to figure out how to reach each child who is struggling that comes through her classroom door. She creates an environment that fosters learning and acceptance. Graddick’s goal is for her students to feel loved and accepted for who they are, as well as, to reach their fullest potential. “I set high expectations, I demand a lot from my students, but I also support them every step of the way,” says Graddick.

When asked what makes Mrs. Graddick an outstanding teacher, BES Principal Tara Price states, “Mrs. Graddick does not only teach, she is also a lifelong learner that continues to grow as a professional.” Ms. Prince goes on to add that Mrs. Graddick not only strives to meet her students’ instructional needs but is highly invested in their emotional success as well.