A friendly face for all students who have ever taken a reading class, Mrs. Howard has long been the face of student growth in writing at SWHS. From running the writing center to teaching reading for over a decade, she has always provided students with a comfortable space to learn and grow.
Mrs. Amanda Howard has always had a passion for teaching English since she was young, and she has been able to pursue that passion for the past 13 years at South Windsor High School.
Howard has always known her love for English. Prior to teaching, she had experience publishing and working with young adult novels.
“I always loved school. I loved learning, and I had a lot of great teachers who inspired me,” Howard told The Prowl, “and so I wanted to serve as that inspiration, or even just that trusted adult, for teenagers.”
Both as an advisor for the writing club and a former advisor for Interact, she has proven that she can and will make an impact both in society and for students. “I love collaborating and working as a team with both my students and colleagues, but my favorite thing is when I see a student get excited about a book,” said Howard.
She mentioned that she loves when students are passionate about what she is also passionate about. “My favorite subject to teach is reading. I have taught all different classes from AP language, 9th grade, to 10th grade.”
However, what truly makes her stand apart as an educator is her flexibility and her ability to teach a variety of students. “My favorite class to teach is reading because I get to work with all the grades, and I get to work with some students multiple years in a row. So, I get to see their growth, and I can form deeper relationships with them.”
Mrs. Howard loves to help students with their future, creating special bonds between her and her students that last long after high school has ended. “I am really focused on the writing center, which is a place where any student can show up and get help from student tutors and it’s great practice for college.”
But, English isn’t the only thing she is passionate about. “Physical wellness and getting kids to be active and going outside to get fresh air with the nature around me,” is also a top priority for her.
Mrs. Howard is someone who is compassionate and passionate. In response to her feelings on being a teacher, Howard responded, “It has made me more compassionate because teaching reminds you everyday that we are all on our own journeys and in different places in our lives dealing with all different unseen factors.”
As a result, she tries her best to understand students’ lives, and it has taught her a lot about others throughout the years of teaching.
“I have found that when I’m out and about in life, if there’s something going on, I imagine, well, this person could have been my student, and they might have things going on in life, and I need to extend them that compassion.”
