Community support enhances teaching experience for Amos
Megan Amos is in her fifth year of teaching in the East Holmes Local School District. Amos teaches fifth- and sixth-grade math and science at Wise Middle School.
Oftentimes, teachers make an impact on their students’ lives.
That happened to Megan Amos, who was greatly influenced by two teachers when she was younger.
“I really enjoyed school as a student, and there were many teachers that had positive impacts on my life,” said Amos, who teaches fifth- and sixth-grade math and science at Wise Middle School. “My sixth-grade teacher and high school chemistry teacher are two that stick out. They both were more than just teachers. They were someone who truly cared about us as kids outside of the classroom. Not only did they make learning extra fun, they made me realize that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. Since having them, I have pretty much always wanted to be a teacher.”
Amos attended United High School in Hanoverton, which isn’t near Holmes County. She never anticipated ending up in Amish Country, but she’s glad she did.
“When I first started my college career to become a teacher, never in a million years did I think I would end up teaching in the heart of Amish Country as I am not from the area,” Amos said. “Now I’m in my fifth year and have realized how blessed I am I ended up here. One positive I have encountered is that this community is awesome. It is great to see the support that everyone has for the students and the schools. It makes teaching more enjoyable when the community is so great.”
Amos’ favorite teaching memory occurred in her first year during the week leading up to Christmas.
“I remember all the fun activities we used to do as students, but being on the teacher side of it is definitely more rewarding,” she said. “The program that the kids put on was really special, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. The unique program, along with the other activities that week and the excitement of the students when decorating the classroom, made it very memorable.”
The most rewarding part of her job is seeing her students get excited about learning different topics.
“I have found myself becoming more interested in certain science topics just because they get so into them as well,” Amos said. “It makes for a fun lesson when everyone is so engaged and filled with curiosity.”
The most challenging part of her job is adapting to her students’ learning styles and different paces. That’s also partially what she most enjoys about teaching.
“Having to think of new ways to teach content on the fly when something doesn’t work out or when someone doesn’t quite understand it can definitely be a challenge,” Amos said. “At the same time, this is also part of what I enjoy most about teaching because it keeps me on my toes and every day brings something new.”
When Amos was in high school, she played soccer and basketball and ran track. She also was an active member of 4-H, showing lambs at the county fair, and participated in the National Honor Society, church youth group and yearbook staff.
Amos can most likely be found outside when she’s not teaching. She coaches middle school track and girls soccer at Hiland and enjoys hiking, deer hunting, camping, running, fishing and spending time with her family.
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.