Buford Elementary special education teacher to represent district in Georgia Teacher of the Year program

BUFORD — Shannon Davis, a kindergarten special education teacher at Buford Elementary School, has been named the 2026-27 Buford City Schools District Teacher of the Year.

Davis teaches students with Level 2 and Level 3 autism in a self-contained classroom. Buford City Schools recognized her for creating an inclusive learning environment, adapting instruction to students’ individual needs and advocating for students and families.

Davis said her approach to teaching begins with making sure students feel safe, accepted and understood.

“My belief is that when given the right tools, all students can learn,” Davis said. “If students can’t learn the way we teach them, then we must change our teaching methods to match the way they learn.”

Davis joined Buford City Schools in 2023

Davis began her teaching career in 2007 at Walnut Grove Elementary School in Gwinnett County before later teaching at Settles Bridge Elementary School in Forsyth County. She joined Buford City Schools in 2023.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from Auburn University, where her graduate studies focused on autism and emotional and behavioral disorders.

Davis was named Walnut Grove Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2014 and received Buford Elementary School’s Hard Hat Award in 2024. She also has served as a special education grade-level chair and mentor teacher.

In her classroom, Davis uses students’ individual interests to support academic learning, communication, social skills and independence. She also uses the Kimochis social-emotional learning curriculum to help students identify feelings, regulate emotions, solve problems and build relationships.

Work extends beyond the classroom

Davis also works with students and staff outside her classroom.

She mentors Buford High School students in the Education Pathway, supports families at school and community events and helps lead Pack Power professional learning at Buford Elementary School.

Through professional development sessions including “Understanding Differences,” “Building Belonging” and “Behavior is Communication,” Davis and other special education staff members work with teachers to strengthen inclusive practices for students of all abilities.

Other finalists for the district honor were Heather Attaway, a special education teacher at Buford Academy; Mindy Black, a STEM teacher at Buford Senior Academy; Ginger Noone, a math teacher at Buford Middle School; and Patrick Shawcross, a social studies teacher at Buford High School.

Davis will represent Buford City Schools in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program.