October 30, 2026
Every school has a story, but the heart of that story is found in the people who walk its halls each day. At Stuart Elementary, our history is more than a collection of memories—it's a legacy built by the teachers and staff who have helped shape generations of Bulldogs.
For this Stuart Spotlight, we're sitting down with two familiar faces who have each played a special role in making Stuart the place we know and love today. We're talking memories, experiences, and what makes being a Stuart Bulldog so special.
This spotlight interview is with Brandi Beard and Kristin Gowin; both currently teach at Stuart elementary but also have the unique distinction of attending Stuart as elementary students. Let’s hear their story!
Take us back to the beginning. Tell us about your Stuart journey and some of those memories.
Brandi- My story at Stuart actually began in 1993, when I walked through the doors as a kindergarten student! Years later, I returned as a high school student through an opportunity to use a class period for job shadowing. I was placed in Mrs. Melton’s kindergarten classroom. I had known from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher, but that experience sparked my love for kindergarten. I loved the age, their imagination, their innocence, the growth that happens throughout the year, and overall their excitement to learn new things.
Kristin- I attended Stuart from K-6th Grade (Fall 1988-Spring 1995). What I remember most is that I loved having recess on our old wooden playground with the tire swings. Field Day was always fun with different events such as egg toss, sack race, three-legged race, etc. I also miss our huge Fall Festival that was hosted every October. We had carnival games, a maze, and the 6th graders had the opportunity to be scare actors in the haunted house.
From student to teacher- very much full circle! What inspired you to become an educator, can you tell us a little about that journey and what made you want to teach at Stuart?
Brandi- Throughout my time at Lee University, I continued returning to Mrs. Melton’s classroom to complete observation and tutoring hours for my education courses. Although my actual student teaching took place elsewhere, Stuart remained an important part of my journey. Having experienced the school as both a child and an aspiring teacher, it already felt like home. Returning as a full-time teacher was a special opportunity to give back to the school where my own education began.
Kristin- After finishing at UT (Go Vols!), I took a teaching position in Nashville. I enjoyed it, but the idea of moving back home was always in the back of my mind. One Monday in April, I woke up with a wild idea to message the then-secretary at Stuart to ask about job opportunities. She told me to apply immediately because interviews were being held the next week. I did not tell my family because I didn’t want to get their hopes up if it didn’t work out. My parents went out of town for their anniversary and I secretly came to stay at their house to interview. I got a call a few days later that I got the job and immediately FaceTimed my family to give them the good news! Needless to say, it was one of the best surprises I've ever given them!
Tell us about the different roles, grade levels, or teaching positions you've held over the years.
Kristin- I first started at Stuart teaching 5th Grade Writing and Social Studies. The next year I taught 5th Grade Science/Social Studies. I moved down to 4th grade to teach Science/Social Studies, then ELA/SS the next year. I later looped back up to teach 5th grade ELA/SS. I LOVED teaching Science/SS, and I was hesitant about moving to upper grades ELA as I’d only taught 2nd and 3rd ELA in Nashville, but now I love it!
Brandi- I am currently in my seventeenth year teaching at Stuart. I spent my first fifteen years in kindergarten and am now in my second year teaching third-grade math and science. I have also served as our Family Engagement Coordinator for eight years. Each role has given me different opportunities to connect with students and families, which has always been one of my favorite part of teaching.
After all these years I am sure you've seen a lot of changes. What are some of the biggest changes you've witnessed at Stuart, and what are some things about our school that have stayed the same?
Brandi- I’ve seen so many changes at Stuart over the years, from the colors on the walls to the people in the classrooms! I’ve experienced changes in staff, teaching approaches, and my own role within the school. Through it all, the relationships have remained at the heart of what makes Stuart special. The faces may change, but there are always people here who care deeply about our students, families, and most importantly each other.
Kristin- A lot of the aesthetics have changed. The playground, floors, and walls have had several makeovers since I was a student. The cafeteria tables from when I was a student are now my classroom tables. Even though the Field Day events are different now, the excitement and fun associated with that day still remain. I love being able to make memories with my students and carry on field day traditions. When I was a student, each grade level had three teachers so we haven’t changed too much in size over the years. I love that Stuart is small so we feel more connected!
That’s awesome! What are some of your favorite memories, funniest moments, or most meaningful experiences from your years at Stuart?
Kristin- My birthday is November 22 so it usually falls over Thanksgiving Break. I will never forget in 2019 my birthday was actually on the Friday before break. My students had secretly worked with my mom (who also worked at the school at that time) and co teacher to decorate my classroom and have all the 4th grade students sign a shirt for me. It was such an amazing surprise to walk into that morning!
Brandi- When I think back over the years, so many of my favorite memories involve the people I’ve shared them with. Some of my best and truest friendships began right here in this building. Helping build our PBIS program is a memory I’ll always treasure, from celebrating weekly wins to sliding in the auditorium! We poured so much heart into creating something positive for our students, and I’ll always be proud of that work. Senior Walk, which began during my time at Stuart, has also become a favorite tradition. Seeing former students return as graduating seniors is such a meaningful reminder of how far they’ve come. Our musicals hold a special place in my heart, too. Getting to play even a small part in bringing them to life and watching students learn lines, songs, and dances and then find the courage to perform in front of an audience, has been incredibly rewarding. And, of course, Field Days and Fall Festivals are unforgettable. The excitement, laughter, and chance to simply have fun together are a big part of what makes Stuart so special.
Every school has special people who make a difference. Who are some of the teachers, mentors, or colleagues who have influenced you throughout your journey?
Brandi- Mrs. Melton immediately comes to mind. Welcoming me into her kindergarten classroom as a high school student, and again throughout college, gave me the opportunity to discover how much I loved teaching kindergarten. Mrs. Julie Turner truly was the backbone of my first year in the classroom. She supported a whole new kindergarten team with three new teachers that first year. The PBIS crew that I worked alongside of really showed that when people see a need they will work endlessly to make a change. Sharing that responsibility and seeing what we could accomplish together made a lasting impression on me. I feel like I have to shoutout Mrs. Karen Hall and Dr. Alicia Khars, they both played a big part in my teaching career here at Stuart, as friends, but also as instructional coaches. I’ve been fortunate to work with colleagues who have supported me inside and outside of the classroom, helped me grow, and made even the challenging days a little lighter.
Kristin- One of my favorite teachers at Stuart was Dr. Jeff Elliott. I was one of his students during his first year of teaching and he always made 6th grade math and science fun! I also enjoyed Mrs. Stewart. She was my 6th grade ELA teacher and we read Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, and studied Greek mythology. We also performed the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream and it is now a unit that I teach for 5th Grade CKLA!
One last question each……
Brandi, when you look back at your journey from elementary student to longtime veteran teacher, what makes you most proud, and what do you hope your students remember about being in your classroom?
Brandi- When I look back, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with students and families over the years. Having former students return to my classroom as high school interns has been especially rewarding, it brings my own journey full circle. I hope my students remember that they were loved, supported, and valued in my classroom. Beyond the lessons, I hope they remember the laughter, the fun, and a teacher who believed in them and helped them believe in themselves.
Kristin, what makes teaching at your former elementary school special? Does being a former Stuart student give you a different connection to the school, students, or community?
Kristin- I love being able to share my experiences with students. I get to tell them what certain rooms were when I was here and how different events worked back then. We also love looking in library books to see if the old due date card is still in there, because I usually know someone who checked that book out from when I was a kid! It’s very nostalgic for me to teach in the same building that I grew up in, and I feel it builds even more connections with students.
A special thank you to our two amazing teachers and lifelong Bulldogs for sharing their stories and reminding us what makes Stuart Elementary such special place for learning and growing.