Creative and crafty. Organized and compassionate. Caring and calm. These are only a few of the words used to describe the newest Buford City Schools Teacher of the Year, Amanda Cochran.
A kindergarten teacher at Buford Elementary since 1998, Cochran didn’t grow up always knowing she wanted to be a teacher.
“I was raised in a loving home by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet. I was the first in my family to pursue a college degree, despite our financial hardships,” Cochran said. “My mom and dad taught me that through hard work and determination, anything is possible. All I really knew was that I wanted to change the course of my life, to ensure a stable and secure future for myself. My dad guided me towards education because of my love of children and desire to help others. Little did I know that it would not only change the course of my life but allow me the opportunity to help impact and change the lives of so many others.”
While teaching a classroom full of 5 year olds might be challenging for the average person, Cochran feels right at home and enjoys being part of students’ early educational experiences.
“The most rewarding part of teaching kindergarten for the past 27 years is the joy of teaching young students to read,” she said. “Watching their little faces light up as they decode their first words is magical. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence grow as they learn new reading skills and to see the excitement when they realize they are reading. It is such a privilege to guide them on their journey to literacy.”
In addition to the impact she has made on her students, her colleagues sing her praises, recognizing the value she brings to the classroom and the community on a daily basis.
Katie Womack, the Buford Academy Teacher of the Year, taught with Cochran at the elementary school from 2017-2019.
“I was not at all surprised when Mrs. Cochran was honored as the BCSS Teacher of the Year,” Womack said. “Educators like Mrs. Cochran are dedicated to their students’ success and consistently go the extra mile to ensure it. Mrs. Cochran has created a lasting legacy through the positive impact she has had on countless children.”
Fellow kindergarten teacher Leanne Tarleton has taught with Cochran for the past 17 years and commended her as well.
“I have had the pleasure of teaching beside Amanda Cochran for 17 years. She is totally dedicated to teaching children to be the best they can be,” Tarleton said. “She has extremely high expectations and her classroom is set up for success. She plans lessons that are differentiated, engaging and always thinking of each child’s needs. She does extra things weekly just to make learning fun. I have learned so much from her through the years and am thrilled she is not only our Buford Elementary Teacher of the Year, but our system wide winner. She is the epitome of an excellent educator.”
Mark Graves, principal at Buford Elementary, was quick to share how inspiring Cochran has been to her students and her colleagues.
“By setting high expectations and making each student feel valued, she encourages them to never give up and to keep trying,” Graves said. “Her approach not only fosters lifelong learners but also paves the way for their future success. Among her colleagues, Mrs. Cochran is highly respected. She always lends a helping hand, no matter the situation, often dropping everything to assist others. Her willingness to share her knowledge and serve as a mentor reflects her commitment to what’s best for the kids and our school community.”
When she’s not pouring into her students, you can find Cochran, a self-proclaimed homebody, lounging on the sofa at her home with her Westie named Eevee and spending time with family, including her husband, Sterling, and their son, Gavin. She also enjoys reading, crafting and shopping. Cochran was raised in the Buford area and still calls it home.
At any school, being named Teacher of the Year is a privilege, and Cochran was humbled to be awarded such a prestigious title.
“Being named the System Teacher of the Year is a huge honor, especially considering my journey from humble beginnings,” she said. “It reaffirms my belief that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background. It is a reminder that education has the power to transform lives, and I am dedicated to helping my students understand that potential every day. I feel so undeserving of the honor, but incredibly grateful.”
Additionally, her students and their families feel incredibly grateful for time spent with her at school as well.
Amanda Sharrett, whose three kids were all taught by Cochran in kindergarten, was thrilled for her to be named BCSS Teacher of the Year.
“She is amazing, and all my kids love her so much,” Sharrett said. “She is so deserving of Teacher of the Year. I know she works so hard and loves those kiddos well.”
In a sea of spectacular educators at Buford, Cochran is loved and admired by all those who come in contact with her. There is no doubt she is dedicated to her work and impacting the young lives she teaches every day. Admired among her students and colleagues alike, Cochran has made her mark on Buford Elementary.
“Mrs. Cochran is one of those teachers that you can always count on,” Graves said. “Buford Elementary is lucky to call her our own.”
FEATURED PHOTO: Amanda Cochran, Buford City Schools Teacher of the Year, works with students in her classroom at Buford Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Amanda Cochran.
