Administration

Kristen Tedford

Kristen Tedford, Principal

Mrs. Kristen Tedford has over 28 years of experience within education. She holds a BS and MaED in Elementary Education and an additional certification in Educational Leadership and Administration. Mrs. Tedford taught second through fourth grades at D.S. Johnson, Winstead Avenue, and Englewood Elementary Schools, and attained her certification for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards from 2000-2020. She taught both Exceptional Education and Academically Gifted co-teaching settings.

In 2012, Mrs. Tedford had the honor of being nominated as the Nash-Rocky Mount School’s Teacher of the Year. She had the opportunity to be a District Instructional Technology Coach and an Assistant Principal at Nashville Elementary School.

In 2018, Mrs. Tedford was nominated as the Nash-Rocky Mount School’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Mrs. Tedford was the Principal at Swift Creek Elementary for three years, before being honored to serve as Principal of Benvenue Elementary. Mrs. Tedford was honored in being nominated Nash County Elementary Principal of the Year in 2022 and in 2023. She is privileged to be working with our dedicated staff, student body, parents, and our community. Mrs. Tedford is married and has three children who attended Nash County Schools K-12.

~Be Kind, Be Great, Be a Bobcat!~

kbtedford@ncpschools.net

Anita Hewlin Richardson, Assistant Principal

Greetings, Bobcat Family!  I'm Mrs. Anita Hewlin Richardson, and it is my pleasure to serve as your Assistant Principal for the current academic year at Benvenue Elementary School.

 I am a native of Enfield, NC where I was born and raised.  I graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Mathematics concentration. I also attended the University of Phoenix to obtain a Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision.  I believe in a philosophy that emphasizes and highlights the importance of educating the whole child and I believe that learning should be individualized to each student's needs, identity, and ability to think critically.

I have held numerous positions and been appointed to multiple committees during my time in education, including department chair, summer camp coordinator, member of the school leadership team, and mentor for teachers.  I have a great deal of expertise in utilizing curriculums that incorporate data, evaluation, multi-entry points, and classrooms that are sensitive to cultural differences.  When I'm not working, I can be found watching my daughter play softball, binge-watching a Netflix series, or just enjoying time out with my family.

My goal as a lifetime learner is to encourage every child to aim high and reach for the stars.   I passionately believe that children deserve to be successful. I put a lot of effort into making sure that EVERY child has all they need for success and is aware of the resources available to them to assist them in reaching their goals every day. Regardle ss of where life leads them, I want to ensure that every child has the lifelong knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute greatly to their community and future.

Building solid working relationships with the faculty, students, families, and community members is one of my top priorities for this academic year. Open channels of communication are crucial and I’m excited to collaborate with each of you this year. With your continued support, let's make this year the best one yet!

ahhewlin@ncpschools.net