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 can’t remember ever wanting to be anything other than a teacher! Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a “mommy.” 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. I’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 “Have it All,” by Jason Mraz as our transition song. Students know this means to start cleaning up and getting ready for the day. I believe it’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. It’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 “Surgery” 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 “Doctor” 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 don’t really understand that term. As a mom and teacher, I am constantly on the go and busy. There isn’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! It’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?

That’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 don’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.