As a young adult, Amy Gordon developed a love for children by serving in her church as a leader for Vacation Bible School and in other children’s activities. She also spent many nights babysitting and caring for her loved ones’ young kids. This extensive experience, along with her warm demeanor and natural enthusiasm, led her father to ask one day, “Amy, have you ever thought about becoming a teacher?” Despite her evident passion for children, it had not occurred to her that she might enjoy education as a profession. She was in college at the time of this conversation with her father; when registration opened for a new semester, she decided to enroll in a few education classes.
Needless to say, her father’s intuition was absolutely correct. Amy thrived in the classes that were preparing her to become a teacher. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and accepted her first position in education as a Kindergarten teacher. Soon after, Amy and her husband decided to move home to Kentucky, and she eventually found her way to Northside Elementary. For ten years, Amy has been a teacher in the primary grades. She recently transitioned out of the classroom into a new role as Northside’s Literacy Specialist.
As she progresses in her career, Amy’s desire to study the art of teaching continues to grow. Shelby Ison, Curriculum Coach at Northside, says, “Amy Gordon is a teacher and a learner. She is always striving to learn more about her craft and to perfect it.” It is no surprise then that Amy was interested in pursuing her National Board Certification.
The National Board process allows educators to analyze what they are already doing in the classroom. Through this analysis, teachers reflect carefully on their lessons, activities, instruction, interaction with students, and more. Teachers then relate their reflections to the standards set forth by the National Board and submit proof of these standards in their teaching through writing and video evidence.
Amy says about this detailed process, “It has made me dissect what I do and look at it more deeply and closely.” In doing so, Amy feels the certification process has enhanced her perception of what each student needs to be successful. She explains, “I’m able to quickly respond to students and be flexible based on a child’s individual need…[National Board] has helped me to be more reflective on my practice, specifically in regards to the decisions I make as a teacher and why I make them.” She adds, “When you think deeply about what you’re doing, it makes you better in future classroom decisions and instruction.”
Not only has the National Board Certification process impacted Amy’s support of students, but it also has produced positive ripple effects as she encourages and interacts with her colleagues. Scott Hundley, Principal of Northside Elementary, says, “Amy has helped to implement intensive intervention, monitor our balanced literacy instruction, and coach our teachers through professional learning communities and professional development.” As she carries these responsibilities, she is able to apply the strategies and reflective practices which she gained from the National Board process.
When sharing about her journey to becoming a teacher, a literacy specialist, and now a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy, it is exciting for Amy to also share her personal history with reading. Before she was a teacher and literacy expert, she was an elementary school student who was frustrated and disheartened that reading seemed to come more naturally for everyone else. She states, “I was not a reader. In fact, I loathed reading because I wasn’t good at it.” Amy’s persistent struggle with reading as a child and young adult caused her to avoid it whenever possible. After years of difficulty, Amy discovered that what she was reading played a huge role in her avoidance. When she began to comprehend and enjoy reading, it was due to non-fiction, informational books and articles. Amy found these topics far more exciting to read than novels and fiction stories. With years of hard work, a willingness to learn, and with the right reading materials, Amy had become a reader!
Her personal experience with reading allows her to meet each student exactly where they are. For students who feel defeated, she inspires hope. For students who are frustrated, she offers encouragement. Amy’s struggle with reading has ultimately made her the empathetic and talented educator she is today. With her full-circle experience fully realized, Amy is now grateful for all the ways her journey with reading has impacted her.
And we, as a district, are so grateful for how Amy's dedication to the students in Woodford County Public Schools. We are thrilled she decided to pursue her certification. Amy will continue to benefit from it both professionally and personally, and the experience will have a positive impact on students for years to come. Congratulations, Mrs. Gordon, on becoming a National Board Certified Teacher! We are so proud of you!
