Amanda Tuttle

Yukon, OK | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

In our constantly changing world of technology, STEM is of the utmost importance, with mathematics as the cornerstone. I aspire students to find the joy in mathematics and see it as not something to be scared of, but something to pique their curiosity. In order for this to happen, teachers must understand the small nuances and big picture of what they are teaching and not just the rote memorization of procedures in their standards.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

My impact in the classroom cannot be defined by one moment, but in a culmination of small victories. Seeing students flourish and become confident in their abilities in mathematics who were once timid. Watching a reluctant student engaged in a challenging math task. Hearing students say they wish class was longer because they were having so much fun. Witnessing the “lightbulb” moment for a student who has been struggling. These are the affirmations to let me know that I have been successful as a mathematics teacher.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

One student at a time, one classroom at a time, one school at a time. This is how we begin to advance our nation. As a teacher, I encouraged every student to see themselves as a “math person.” I aimed to build a classroom that encouraged daily collaboration, perseverance, and digging deep into the why, not just the how of mathematics. Now that I am stepping into the role of an instructional coach, I hope to encourage other educators with these same ideals in order to reach even more students.

Biography

Amanda Tuttle has been an educator for 20 years. This will be her first year as the instructional coach at Mustang Valley Elementary. For the past 12 years, she taught fifth and sixth grade mathematics at Canyon Ridge Intermediate School in Mustang, Oklahoma. Before this, she taught self-contained fifth grade at Mustang Creek Elementary and second and fifth grades at Will Rogers Elementary in Edmond, Oklahoma. In addition to teaching five mathematics classes daily, Amanda served as the fifth grade Mathematics Department Chair for several years and as a mentor for entry-year educators. She was elected to serve on committees for math textbook adoptions and standards review. Amanda has organized Parent Math Nights to help families understand what their students are learning and how they can help at home. She has also helped facilitate school STEM events for students and families. She presented at the Oklahoma State University STEM Conference about the book "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics" by Peter Liljedahl. Now that she is an instructional coach, she will help other educators implement curriculum and mentor teachers. Amanda also travels each summer with students and parents to Washington DC, Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg to gain an immersive experience into the history of our country and understanding of our government. Amanda earned her Bachelor's of Science in Education from Oklahoma Christian University in 2005. She is certified in Elementary Education.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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