Teachers do not become educators to gain notoriety or fame. Individuals enter the field of education to help others and to improve the future of our country. As an educator, I feel a responsibility for the well-being of the children within my care and the people they will become as adults in our society. I believe that the Presidential Award is a way our country can honor teachers for the invaluable sacrifices they make in order to help the people of the United States of America.
The official biography below was current at the time of the award.
Amanda McGehee has taught fifth grade science at Dunwoody Elementary for the past 2 years. Previously, she taught third and fifth grade at Vanderlyn Elementary School in Dunwoody, GA. As the Science Department Chair, Amanda served as a mentor for other teachers of science in her school, encouraging others to excite and motivate students through "being there" experiences. Additionally, she has served as a District Science Trainer and has planned and led professional learning for science across her district. She continually promotes her dream of providing real-life science experiments to all students. Amanda models the importance of being involved and giving back to the community. She created her school’s environmental committee, which included waste-reduction efforts, a farm-to-fork club, and a student-led environmental blog. She has served on her school’s Parent-Teacher Organization board as the vice president of academic affairs, overseeing academic competitions, the media center program, and the school’s cultural arts events. Amanda has a B.S. in elementary education and an M.S., magna cum laude, in educational leadership from Florida State University. She holds certifications in elementary education, middle grades education, gifted education, and educational leadership.
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