After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Bedford County Schools, Data & RTI Coordinator Susan Huff is beginning a new chapter, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, relationships and a deep commitment to students and educators.

Throughout her career, Huff has served Bedford County students and families in nearly every corner of the school system. Her journey included 17 years as a teacher at Eakin Elementary, two years as a teacher at Thomas Magnet School, six years as assistant principal at Community Elementary School, one year as assistant principal at Cascade Middle School, two years as principal at Cascade Middle School and most recently, two years and four months as data & RTI coordinator at the BCS District Office.

Huff earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, continually growing as an educator and leader.

But when Huff reflects on more than three decades in education, it isn't titles or accomplishments that she talks about first. She talks about people. One of the most meaningful parts of her career has been watching students she once taught grow into successful adults.

“I absolutely love seeing my previous students successful as adults, working in their careers, some of them married with children,” Huff said. “I enjoy seeing them out in public and talking with them. Those are proud moments.”

Those connections are a lasting reminder of the impact an educator can have - often long after a student leaves the classroom.

Huff also has witnessed tremendous growth and change across Bedford County Schools. One area that is a standout to her is the growth of Career and Technical Education programs, which she believes are opening important doors for students.

“In recent years I have seen our CTE programs experience great growth,” she said. “This allows students to discover their skills, talents and career interests before they graduate from high school.”

While she will undoubtedly miss many aspects of her daily work, Huff said she will especially miss seeing educators pour their hearts into teaching.

“I will miss watching passionate educators provide meaningful learning opportunities for eager learners,” she said.

That passion for educators and students is also at the heart of the advice Huff would offer to future school leaders.

Lead with heart.

“Get to know your faculty, staff, students and families. Bring your community partners in. They have so much to share,” she said. “Also, learn from your colleagues and share your expertise.”

It is advice shaped by decades of experience and by the many people Huff has had the privilege of learning from throughout her own career.

“Bedford County Schools has and has had some of the most committed, dedicated and talented educators in the state, and I have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside many of them,” she said. “I have many friendships which have come from connections in our school system, and I value those friendships deeply.”

Those friendships, relationships and memories are perhaps the most meaningful part of the legacy Huff leaves behind.

“For more than 30 years, Susan has helped students learn, supported educators, led schools, strengthened families and contributed to the continued growth of Bedford County Schools,” commented Superintendent of Schools Tim Harwell. “Her impact can be seen not only in the work she has done but in the people she has encouraged, mentored and served along the way.”

As she looks toward retirement, Huff is excited about spending more time with family and traveling. She is also looking forward to a new opportunity to continue contributing to the community she has served for so many years - this time as a small business owner.

Bedford County Schools is grateful for the more than three decades Susan Huff has devoted to our students, families, educators and community.

“Thank you, Susan, for leading with heart, for believing in students, for supporting educators and for giving so much of yourself to Bedford County Schools,” said Harwell. “Congratulations on your retirement, and we wish you every happiness in this exciting next chapter.”