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Hello! My name is Amanda McCormack. Originally from central Indiana (Ball State, c/o 2005), my husband Josh and I moved to South Florida 15 years ago for a “quiet life near the beach.” Needless to say, life has gotten louder over the years. We now have a six-year-old daughter, Margot. She is a horse and unicorn obsessed older in Ms. Goldstein’s class.And our four-year-old son, Hudson.. He is a Star War’s obsessed Pre-K’er at Park Springs Elementary.We have two Abyssinian guinea pigs, Trixie [3, the older] and Leela [2, the younger], who add even more "noise" to our little family. Although this season of life is a busy one, my family enjoys quiet movie nights on the sofa, lazy days spent in the pool, and sharing new experiences and places with each other.
Although I received my education in Indiana, I’ve only taught in Broward County. In fact, 13 of my 15 years have been in Parkland Schools. I absolutely love the community and its family focus. I am beyond lucky to have “hit the jackpot” so early in my career. I’m K-6 certified and ESOL endorsed. In addition to my eight years in K/1 multiage, I’ve been a reading specialist and taught kindergarten and fifth grade.
I've been at Heron Heights since it opened it's doors over a decade ago and have met many unforgettable children and families during my time here. Eight years ago I stepped out of my kindergarten teacher role to start the the multiage program with my mentor, and friend, Michele Goldtein. I've been multiage obsessed since!
Disney's Animal Kindgdom with Grandmama
Beach Life
Multiage Gingerbread Night
Hudson and Margot
Beach Buddy Hands, January 2018
Children are natural learners, constantly questioning and connecting information. When placed in a classroom environment that is safe and supportive, children take academic and social risks that move them towards their personal goals. My classroom is a space where students learn, question, giggle, make mistakes, foster friendships, and bask in the magic that is K/1. In addition to their grade level academic goals, Beach Buddies learn how to ask for help, celebrate the success of their peers, inspire others through example, persevere after perceived failure, set and work towards goals, adopt a growth mindset and “do hard things.” During our time together we share stories and openly discuss our worries, as we learn and grow alongside one another. We use the Zones of Regulation and spend time discussing our feelings and strategies for emotional and sensory self-management.
Ultimately my teaching philosophy is that I teach the whole child, heart and mind. I love them as my own, implementing best practices and differentiated instruction during our two years together. It’s no secret I’ve met some of the coolest people I know within the walls of my classrooms. These kids are going places, and I am here to help them build habits and a love for learning that will get them there.
Both of my children have AMAZING teachers, and my husband and I like to show our appreciation in small ways throughout the year. I cannot tell you how much time I've wasted standing at the gift card display contemplating which cards these unbelievable educators would love the most. I see them for moments here and there, but don't always know a lot about their personal interests, tastes, or hobbies. Hopefully the questions and answers below will help you to know more about me outside of my "Mrs. McCormack persona" and the things told to you through your child.
Birthday: October 2, Libra
Allergies/Food Restrictions: I’m allergic to eggs and dishes that are mostly egg
My Home’s Style: I love black and white graphic patterns and bright rainbow colors and patterns (take a look at my classroom, lol) as well as farmhouse/rustic décor items, white ceramics, and calligraphy. My style has a touch of bohemian, and I enjoy mixing patterns, colors, and textures in my home and classroom.
If you weren't a teacher, what would you be: This is a crazy to think about, but I could see myself as a Pharmacist, Speech Pathologist, or Child Psychologist.
Do I play any instruments: I am a HUGE band nerd. I played the oboe through middle school, high school and college. In fact, I started college as a music education major. I was a woodwind specialist and private teacher throughout college, even after I changed majors, and played in a handful of groups professionally (aka: paid money). I loved it, but it definitely seems like a lifetime ago.
Fave Flowers: Tulips, peonies, succulents
Fave Shops for Me: Target, Amazon, Ulta, Sephora
Fave Shops for School: Target, Amazon, IKEA, Office Depot
Fave Sit-Down Restaurants: Cooper’s Hawk, La Bamba’s, Skyline Chili
Fave Take-Out Restaurants: Moe’s, LaSpada’s Original Hoagies, Sonic, Chik-Fil-A, Subway
Starbucks Order: Hot Peppermint Mocha (before lunch), Pink Drink (anytime)
Dunkin’ Order: Hot Mocha Latte (before lunch)
My "Non-Teaching" Jams: Rae Dunn ceramics, Papermate Flare Pens, 90’s pop music, Harry Potter, Rothy’s shoes (currently saving for my first pair), young adult distopian fiction, thrifting, home decorating and décor guru (I walk through the isles of Hobby Lobby and Home Goods daydreaming of where I would put everything in my house, lol.), Sonic slushes (in my defense, I'm not obsessed with all of them, just one...lemonade slush with real strawberries), Reality TV (housewives, 90 day fiances, below deck...I have a few favorites), and my phone
Teacher Genie Grants me 3 Classroom Wishes:
Wish #1: Robotic Dog: Yes, this is a real thing, Yes, it is unfortunately $3000. And yes, I would wish for it immediately without hesitation. He could walk the halls with us, we could teach him tricks, his name would be buddy, for the "beach buddies." No allergy triggers or cleanup...I simply cannot think of a more extravegant and completely epic classroom wish.
Wish #2: MacBook: Broward Schools siwtched to Windows a few years ago and I am not able to create the classroom materials and flyers I was able to on my Mac. Our new laptops are awful. I miss having that creative outlet, and I would sefishly use one of my wishes for a replacement.
Wish #3: Rug w/rug Pad: Our current rug is awesome, well-loved, and eleven years old. It is getting pretty thin and has gained a few stains over the years. A new rug with a thick underpad would have the kids sitting on a cloud.
Fave Sports Team: Indianapolis Colts
Fave Sayings: "That's my jam!," "Your're killing me!," "Fired Up!,"
Harry Potter House: Ravenclaw
Elephant or Piggie: I am a total Gerald!
Binge Watching: The Office, Big Bang Theory, YouTube
Fav Sweet Snacks: chocolate covered stuff...strawberries, cranberries, rainsins, pretzels
Go To Wine: Cooper’s Hawk Romance Red
Fave Scents: tropical fruits, clean linen & cotton, florals
What other schools have I worked for: I started my teaching as a fifth grade teacher at Oakland Park Elementary. I taught there for two years before moving to Riverglades Elementary. I was at Riverglades for two years before moving to Heron Heights when it opened.This is my eleventh year at HHE.
