Why I Choose Bedford County Schools

Amanda Lemmons, Community High School

"Why did I choose Bedford County? Why not choose Bedford County… Bedford County is my home. Home is a happy place where you can live and learn. Home is a place where you are respected and loved. Education is my home and the Bedford County School System has provided me with a life purpose to instill a love for learning in our next generation. I have a chance to help others pursue their dreams and even change the world. Becoming an educator was an easy choice. Selecting the Bedford County School System was an obvious choice which has allowed me to touch many lives in my own community. Education is truly the foundation of a child’s success and I am honored that Bedford County gave me the opportunity to help our children reach their fullest potential. Knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of many is an incredibly wonderful and humbling feeling. Teaching is my mission and I am proud to call Bedford County my home."
Lee Ann Butts, Districtwide Instructional Coach

Amy McGee, Eakin Elementary
"Why did I choose Bedford County? I was born and raised in Bedford County. I knew when I was younger that I wanted to be a teacher in my hometown. I had such an amazing education here that I wanted to give back to the community when I got older. My teaching experience has been amazing since I first got hired in Bedford County 14 years ago. This is and will always be “my town!” I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Beth Keele, Thomas Magnet School

Mary Tim Cook, Southside Elementary
"Upon my college graduation, when exploring opportunities and options, one word kept coming to mind in my quest to find where I was supposed to be- family. Bedford County has always been home to me, and there was an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging I felt within the classrooms and hallways during my student teaching at Cascade Middle School- family. Each student is seen, valued, and loved daily, and educators are supported, encouraged, and appreciated. So, when the time came to choose, the decision was easy. I choose Bedford."
Kristen Brothers, Cascade Middle

Kristie Collier, Community Elementary

"I grew up in Bedford County and loved all my school experiences. When I got married, we moved to Murfreesboro and as we began our little family, I knew I wanted my children to have the same wonderful experiences in school as I did so we moved back to Bedford County. A wonderful opportunity opened for me to teach Health Science at Shelbyville Central and Cascade High School. I made a huge transition from the hospital world as a Registered Dietitian to now a Health Science teacher. I absolutely love my students and the wonderful people I get to work with each day. Bedford County is a great place to live and work. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."
Susan Smithson, MS, RD, LDN, Cascade High School
"I chose Bedford County to pursue my career in education, because I quickly fell in love with the small-town community where I knew I could make a positive difference. Bedford County was also the perfect place to start a family and watch my children grow up and pursue their own dreams."
Mandy Leverette, Liberty School
"Bedford County is where I was born, raised, and educated! Bedford County is where I live and where I plan to retire. What better way to give back to the county that I love than by becoming a teacher and educating our future, our kids! Our students are our future and I pride myself in supporting students and teachers so that they can all be successful in school and in life. Building relationships with students is key and is so important to me. Our students have to know we care so that they know they have someone who believes in them and supports them, always. It is my hope that students love school, feel safe in school, and have fun in school. I choose Bedford County because I believe in investing all that I have into the future of each and every child, not just the students at my school- East Side, but all students of Bedford County. I love the students, teachers, and staff at East Side. We are a family and we love our students enough to have high expectations for each student and believe that every student matters and has something to give back this big old world! These are the reasons that I call Bedford County and East Side school, home!"
Jennifer Simons, East Side Elementary

Patti Clinton, Cascade Elementary
"I chose Bedford County because it’s home! Being away for almost 20 years has given me a new appreciation for my home town. I love the close family atmosphere at not only my school but the community as a whole. Being around my lifelong friends and family has been wonderful and the new friends I have made at BCLA has renewed my love of teaching. I’m over the moon excited to be back home."
Julie Toombs, Bedford County Learning Academy

Keith Wortham, Community Middle School

Ali Taylor, Learning Way Elementary
"I have been proud to call Harris Middle School my education home for the past 35 years. Even though the challenges we face in helping young people have changed over the years, this school's commitment to excellence hasn't wavered. I am also happy to say that I have many great friends who are Bedford County educators."
Jon Brock, Harris Middle School