ISTA Member Profile – Amanda Rose
09/03/2024
How did you make the decision to pursue a career in education?
I had the most amazing kindergarten teacher and I knew immediately upon starting school that I wanted to be like her. Thankfully, every teacher I had after her was equally amazing and continued to drive my desire to be an educator. I am now friends with many of my former teachers and it is so empowering to have these people, whom I have admired for years, call me a colleague.
How long have you been an educator?
This is my twenty-first year of teaching. I have taught first, second, third, fourth and six grades and now teach STEAM. I have worked in three districts as a teacher and an administrator, but my heart is in the classroom.
What do you love about public education?
The children and families we serve. Nowhere but public education do you interact daily with such diversity! I am always learning something new and usually it's from my students and families.
Do you have a favorite memory as a classroom teacher?
My favorite memory is my sixth grade robotics class two years ago. I created a particularly difficult challenge for my students and one group took it on without any hesitation and with such confidence. I told them that if they completed the challenge they would be able to choose my next hair color. A few weeks later, I walked into class with pink hair.
Why are you an ISTA member?
Initially, I became a member because my mentor teacher said it’s just what you do. As I grew in my profession and became more involved in my local, I realize that I am a member because I am passionate about public education and that ISTA membership is the strongest way to use my voice to advocate for both my profession and the children I serve.
What’s your favorite thing about starting a new school year?
I love the fresh start of a year. It’s exciting, challenging and so joyful! It’s always another chance to do better for the students I serve. Getting to see how students I’ve known for a few years have grown and changed is always so great! I also love the challenge of getting to know all the new students – especially our first graders.
What do you look forward to year after year?
I look most forward to the relationships I forge with my students. Seeing students change their ideas about their place in STEAM is so rewarding. When I first started this position, my students didn’t know what STEAM was, let alone see themselves as scientists or engineers. Now, I have students who are so excited to come in and challenge themselves and talk about a future in STEAM. Some of that is content related, but I’d like to think it’s more because they know how much I care about them and their futures.