Amanda El Hamdouni, Orange Elementary School
Position: 1st Grade
Years Teaching: 11
Hobbies: Geocaching, traveling, reading, attending sporting events, and camping
What do you enjoy most about teaching? Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers. When educators say no two days are the same, we truly mean it! Each day presents new opportunities for learning, growth, building confidence, and creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and included.
What do you find most challenging about teaching? While it is so rewarding, teaching presents its own challenges. It can be hard to meet the needs of every student at every moment. Sometimes, you think you are on track and you completely miss the target. You adjust and try again. This is also a learning moment for the kids to see that not everything works all the time, but how we respond to the setbacks that allows us to overcome challenges.
Best tip for new teachers: Don't try too much too quickly! If something doesn't work right away, that's OKAY! Let it run its course before making a decision to switch something up. Kids thrive on routine and structure, so when you are constantly changing things, it is hard for them to understand what is expected of them. Also, do not base your opinion on your students from the feedback of past teachers. Each year is a new chance for the student to start fresh! Provide them with a clean slate without bias.
Best tip for career teachers: Celebrate EVERY win...no matter how small! A student finally raised their hand and felt confident to share: celebrate! A student finally gets something that they were struggling to understand: celebrate! A student with attendance issues shows up for a few days in a row: celebrate! Everything is a win...no matter how big OR small.
Favorite piece of advice for students: Don't be afraid to ask questions! Some of the best learning comes from questions that students ask. It allows for the most authentic learning as we can search together and make sense of new learning. Also, others may have the same question and not have the confidence to ask.
What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher isn't about being perfect, but it's about showing up every day. It means that I believe in every student, even when they don't believe in themselves. It means going the extra mile because I want each student to succeed. It means creating a space where students feel safe, valued, and welcomed no matter what is going on outside of school. Finally, it means recognizing that my teaching can and will go beyond their time with me as I am helping shape their futures.