Featured Teacher: Amy Tanner

By Giggle Magazine

Amy Tanner is our December/January Featured Teacher! Read below about what makes her an amazing featured teacher in Alachua County.

AT WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK?

Glen Springs Elementary

WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH?

I teach in the Project Friends Program, which is Multi-Age (K-2), but teach all our 2nd Graders this year!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?

This is my eighth year teaching in Alachua County.

WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?

All of them! I teach 2nd Grade Full Inclusion, so I am the Primary General Education Teacher for all subjects.

Why were you inspired to teach?

I canโ€™t remember ever wanting to be anything other than a teacher! Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a โ€œmommy.โ€ Next on my very short list was a teacher. My mom recently retired after 34 years of teaching. I grew up in schools helping her and other teachers whenever I could. Iโ€™ve been fortunate to know so many amazing educators because of that experience, and I have always aspired to be like them!

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Our mornings together, for sure! Every morning I play โ€œHave it All,โ€ by Jason Mraz as our transition song. Students know this means to start cleaning up and getting ready for the day. I believe itโ€™s important to take the time each day to greet every child personally. They choose their preferred greeting: hug, handshake, high five, or fist bump. Itโ€™s a routine that helps us all start the day on a positive note. I love it!

Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?

I have some themed activity days that are always a hit! Students love our โ€œSurgeryโ€ Days: my classes have done Contraction Surgery, Place Value Surgery, and this year I am planning to add Text Feature Surgery to the list! We transform the classroom into a Hospital and they all get gowns, masks and gloves. We use highlighters that look like syringes and all the learning activities have a medical/surgical theme. They giggle every time I call them โ€œDoctorโ€ and really get into the role.

How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?

Ha! I am not sure that I do! People that know me best would probably tell you that I donโ€™t really understand that term. As a mom and teacher, I am constantly on the go and busy. There isnโ€™t a lot of winding down time left over. When I can get it, I like listening to music, catching up on TV shows or crafting.

What do you like to do outside of the classroom?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy quiet days at home, or when we have an opportunity to take a day trip together. We love visiting the museum, aquariums, and recently got a pass for LEGOLAND, so that has been a new adventure! I enjoy making things and like to craft when I can.

Share a funny teaching moment/day.

There are entirely too many to choose from! I firmly believe everyone should be required to spend a few days with 5-8 year olds. They are constantly making me laugh! Itโ€™s easily the best part of my job.

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

I would probably have to go with Black Widow or Wonder Woman!

What is your favorite book?

Thatโ€™s a hard question. I have so many favorite books that I love to share in my classroom. Personally, I enjoy reading mystery/suspense novels. Harlan Coben is an author I like. I also enjoy Utopian and Dystopian Fiction, like the Hunger Games and Divergent Series and, of course I love Harry Potter!

What are you doing for the holiday break? Any fun travels?

I am looking forward to taking a break and having some down time to relax with my family! My parents will be visiting, and we may take a trip to Georgia to visit some extended family we donโ€™t get to see as often. My favorite tradition is cutting down our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and putting up our lights! I love decorating for the holidays!

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students? An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!

Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be a featured teacher in one of our upcoming issues.