Hello from Oklahoma!

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My name is Amanda Mendenhall, and I teach 7th-grade geography in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. I have been teaching for 15 years. I am certified to teach Pre-K thru 8 grade. I also hold a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. I did not always plan to be a teacher. I remember I wanted to be a veterinarian from the time I was five years old. I started school with that goal in mind, then decided that I didn’t want to spend another nine years in school, so I switched my major to accounting. I really like math and its absoluteness. I was 9 hours from having an accounting degree and decided I didn’t want to be an accountant; instead, I wanted to teach accounting. The semester before I had my revelation, the university had done away with the Business Education degree. So, they placed me in Elementary Education. 

God knew way better than me because teaching is my calling. I can’t think of doing anything else with my career. I’m not even sure I want to be an administrator because I love being in the classroom so much (even on the hard days). I have taught all elementary grades (except 3rd grade). I currently teach middle schoolers (a breed within themselves) and LOVE every minute of it. I love to see when they finally get the concept. I love seeing that light bulb come on and the excitement they get when the struggle is over. My greatest joy is when you see a student that struggles on a day-to-day basis get the concept ahead of the other students, they finally have their moment to shine. What a glorious day!!!! 

When I was in school, Mrs. Sherrye Smith was the teacher that made a difference in my life. I had her in math class from my 6th-grade year to my Junior year of high school (at a small rural school). She made learning fun. I remember when I was a freshman in high school, she asked me to tutor a gentleman that was a freshman in college in College Algebra. I should have realized then this was my calling. But sometimes, it takes us a little longer to realize what we are being called to be. What is not to love about teaching? Teaching is life, and I wouldn’t be where I am without God and my hundreds of kids.