Amy McGovern, Lou-Henry & Lowell

Position: Talented & Gifted Teacher

Years Teaching: 25 years

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing games, being outdoors and attending sporting events with my family and friends. I love watching movies, YouTube videos and Yellowstone.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? The best thing about teaching is always getting to be a student. I love the career I chose because I get to be a learner every day while I (hopefully) inspire young people to become life long learners too.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? I think the biggest challenge I have faced as a teacher is teaching through a pandemic. It has been a monumental task to inspire colleagues, families and students to stay positive, informed and flexible during this period of uncertainty.

Best tip for new teachers: My best advise for new teachers to to stay humble. Be open to listen to what your students and coworkers are saying even when they say it without words.

Best tip for career teachers: Considering I am a career teacher, I feel like it’s critical that we continue to push ourselves to incorporate new ideas and techniques into our practice.

Favorite piece of advice for students: I’d like each student to learn to love themselves and not be afraid to stand out. I hope they value their strengths and appreciate the lessons that can be gleaned from the adversity they encounter.

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: I am grateful for the honor of bring chosen as a Gold Star Teacher. I am proud to be a teacher in Waterloo and to be recognized for having a positive impact on the youth of our community. I value the time I’ve spent collaborating with local experts to provide quality instruction and experience to students in the Cedar Valley.

Watch Amy’s video here!