After beginning her teaching career in the Pacific Northwest, Amanda Davis will embark on her fourth year with the Brownwood ISD in August.
“I love teaching fourth grade at East Elementary,” Davis said. “Before Texas, I was in self-contained classrooms teaching second and fifth graders in Washington and Oregon. Currently I teach RLA and social studies. Previously I taught science and social studies. I love teaching, and believe a passionate teacher can teach any subject.”
Davis credits her parents for fostering her desire to become an educator.
“My mom and dad were my most influential teachers,” Davis said. “Growing up my experiences were filled with learning botanical names of plants, how to write in cursive, learning how to change a flat tire, how to cook bagels, and how make people feel comfortable in your home. Everything my parents did, they were teaching me to do as well. Learning opportunities were everywhere. Because they were such great teachers in my childhood, I believe it shaped me into someone who was gifted in teaching others as well. I’ve been teaching for a long time in many different work environments. Now I’m blessed to have the official job of educating children and as I fill the role of educator.”
Reflecting on her time in the classroom, Davis recalled a pair of teachers who left a lasting impression.
“I had two science teachers in high school who inspired me to learn,” Davis said. “Both of them were committed to hands-on learning, exploration and investigation. Mr. Henley and Mr. Olin were great at asking questions then allowing students to research, use logic and be gently guided to finding the answers. These two teachers helped me become excited about learning, and that excitement led to a desire to share, which translated for me into excitement for teaching.”
Beyond high school, Davis said, “I got my Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University, and my Master’s degree from University of Phoenix. Because I went into teaching later in my career, obtaining my Master’s degree worked out perfectly because my daughter was in Kindergarten. In fact, we both obtained our diplomas at the same time, me a Master’s degree, and her Kindergarten.”
Regarding the most rewarding aspects of teaching, Davis spoke of the connections that are created.
“At the beginning of the year I get a group of wide-eyed, slightly scared kids in my room,” Davis said. “They don’t know me, and I don’t know them. Throughout the year we build connections, get to know each other, and by the end I hope they share my love of learning, reading and investigation. Every year I grow new chambers in my heart that are occupied by my incredible students. That is the most rewarding part of teaching.”
When it comes to what she finds most exciting about the future of teaching, Davis said, “I may get to revisit some of my previous students. I love teaching science, and just this last year one very dear student suggested that I teach science at the high school. It got me to thinking, maybe in a few years I’ll move to the high school and get to see how my wonderful students have grown.”
Davis is also thankful that teaching has provided an avenue to dedicate more of her days to her family.
“Being a teacher has allowed me to spend more time with my daughter,” Davis said. “Teaching in the same building where she attended allowed me to be involved in her day to day progress in way that most moms don’t get to experience. And one of my greatest joys, was having my daughter as a student in my official classroom. My husband and daughter have always been my biggest supporters. Their support allows me to give extra time and energy that teaching requires. Without them, I couldn’t do it.”
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BrownwoodNews.com will highlight one Brown County educator per day in the month of July, based on nominations received on our Facebook page, for our Teacher Feature series.