Beth Thead is a special education teacher at Forest Hills Elementary School. She holds a Masters of Arts in Special Education from The University of Alabama and over the past 23 years, she has had the opportunity to work with children ages 2-22 in the field.  Throughout her career, her primary focus has been to improve the lives of the students in her care, through direct instruction, as well as collaboration with families and caregivers.

In 2001, Beth started her career in the field of special education as a Behavioral Training Specialist in Orlando, Florida before teaching at UCP's Hand in Hand Early Learning Center in Birmingham, Alabama.  In 2004, she began graduate school while also serving as a consultant for the Tuscaloosa County School System supporting students with autism.  As a graduate assistant, Beth worked directly with Crossing Points, a collaborative program for students 18-21 on campus, as well as assisting Dr. Marcia Rock in the development of a grant to support teachers in training.  Upon graduation, Beth served as the Behavior Coach at Escambia Westgate School, a school for students ages 3-22 with severe/profound disabilities.  She has taught in the Florence City School System since returning to Florence in 2017.

Beth and her husband, Michael, live in Florence with their three children.  When she is not teaching, she can often be seen on stage in local community theatre productions. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and supporting her children's activities.