Righter selected as District Level 5-8 Teacher of the Year
Published 10:27 pm Monday, January 31, 2022
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Photo Contributed Harold McCormick teacher Amanda Righter holds a snake during Camp Explore.
Photo Contributed Amanda Righter hosted a Candyland Christmas Party for her students this past Christmas.
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BY GRACIE FIELDS
STAR CORRESPONDENT
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a significant part of every child’s life. Amanda Righter, a Harold McCormick fifth-grade teacher, has dedicated her life to making that transition an enjoyable time.
Righter began her teaching career in 2009, intending to encourage and inspire her students. She taught at West Side Elementary for six years.
This year, she was named 5th-8th grade Teacher of the Year for the second time.
“I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my students,” Righter said.
She serves as a Learning Leader, individualizing her teaching style and making certain that all of her students enjoy learning and being in her classroom.
Since fifth grade is a departmentalized grade, she teaches both science and social studies. Righter, however, enjoys occupying her time with activities that surround her students.
“My day is filled with instruction, planning, meeting, tutoring, and once a month I serve as a co-sponsor for K-Kids,” she said.
She is very involved with her students and bases her time with them around not only education but also life-long memories. “Hearing stories, from current and former students, who share how they were inspired by me to visit historical places or read about them because of my class makes me the happiest as a teacher,” Righter said.
Righter pushes her students to be the best they can be. She speaks on her feelings towards her students.
“I want them to have the desire to take charge of their learning and do their personal best,” Righter said. “When they walk away from my classroom, I want them to feel capable and confident to meet any challenge.”
She has set her classroom to be a place of comfort and acceptance, regardless of the student. When Righter is not teaching, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family.
