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Teacher Spotlight: Amanda Miller

T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Amanda Miller tells her students how to navigate computer programs during class at Lenihan Intermediate in the Marshalltown School District

Meet Amanda Miller, 34, computer science teacher Lenihan Intermediate in the Marshalltown School District.

Something she puts focus on in her classroom is computer coding. Miller uses Code.org curriculum which uses block coding to solve puzzles and create artwork.

This is the third year Miller has been a teacher in the school district. Originally from Granite City, Ill., she graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Miller lives in Marshalltown with her husband and the rest of her family is in Illinois.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?

A: That is a big question with many different answers, but I suppose the most prominent one is that I wanted to inspire students like my favorite teachers inspired me.

Q: What is it like being a teacher at Lenihan?

A: I love it. The staff here are great and the students are warm and welcoming. This is my first year here, but I feel very at home in this building.

Q: What are the best aspects of your job?

A: I love seeing students get excited about coding, either because of something they made or solving a puzzle they struggled to pass. It also makes me excited to see some of these students who might decide to make this into a career because of the path I started them on.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face?

A: I work really hard to build meaningful relationships with my students, but it is difficult when you’re a “specials teacher” because you teach all the students in the school.

Q: What do you want the people of Marshalltown to know about your job, the school, the district, etc.?

A: Coding is so important because it teaches critical thinking, persistence and problem solving — all of which are useful skills no matter what profession they go in to. Also, parents and caregivers, if you are curious about coding, have your kids teach you! The best way for them to reinforce their skills is to show others.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I have so many hobbies, it’s hard to keep track sometimes. I love to read, draw, color, do crafts, play video games and board games, make jewelry, polish rocks, fix things like the blender. I love being outside when it’s not so cold, taking walks, hiking and gardening.

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