It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the new principal of Southwest Elementary. I am honored to have the opportunity to join a community that is dedicated and values educational excellence for their children and their school.

I have worked in Guilford County Schools for 18 years in various positions. I have served as a teacher, an Exceptional Children’s teacher, Mission Possible Specialist, Curriculum Facilitator, the assistant principal at Hunter Elementary School, and most recently, as the principal at Alderman Elementary. I am a wife and a mom to three wonderful children, Alexis (21) and twins Kory and Cale (11). I enjoy spending my time cheering on my children on the field or court, relaxing and spending time with family.

I believe wholeheartedly that every student deserves a quality education and that only happens when the school and the families work together for the best interests of children. I believe my main responsibility is to put our teachers in the best possible position to succeed, as they will in turn put our children in the best possible position for success.

We thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child to ensure student/family success.

I am Alison Snyder and I am a proud assistant Principal here at SWES. I received my bachelors degree from Western Carolina…GO CATS! I received my masters at Gardner Webb University. I have had the pleasure of teaching EC, working as a CF, and now an Assistant principal in my more than 20 years in education.

I believe that everyone can do great things and I am always excited about helping our students and teachers accomplish their goals.

I am looking forward to an amazing year.

Go Cowboys!

Hello Southwest Family,

I am excited to join the ranch!   I am a wife and a mother to two wonderful children.  I have worked within Guilford County Schools for the last 20 years in various capacities: classroom teacher, impact teacher, curriculum facilitator, and assistant principal.  I love education and learning!!  I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D),  an Educational Specialist Degree with Superintendent Licensure (Ed.S), a Masters of School Administration (K-12), and a Bachelors in Elementary Education all from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I am also a National Board-Certified teacher. As stated before, I love education and learning😊

 I adore working with students, teachers, parents, and the greater community and I can’t wait to work with the Southwest family.  I am already learning so much for Mrs. Thigpen and Mrs. Snyder and I look forward to continued growth. 

Warm regards,

Shanta Buchanan, Ed.D