Alumni

UWF alumna Amanda Brewer earns recognition as Rookie Teacher of the Year

Since she was a little girl watching her mother teach, Amanda Brewer knew she wanted to spend her life teaching special education. To that end, she went on to receive her bachelor's degree in special education from the University of West Florida in 2007, and now teaches special ed. at Pea Ridge Elementary. Her enthusiasm, dedication and effectiveness earned her the title Rookie of the Year 2010 for her outstanding work with her kindergarten through second grade special needs students.

Since she was a little girl watching her mother teach, Amanda Brewer knew she wanted to spend her life teaching special education. To that end, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of West Florida in 2007, and now teaches special ed. at Pea Ridge Elementary. Her enthusiasm, dedication and effectiveness earned her the title Rookie of the Year 2010 for her outstanding work with her kindergarten through second grade special needs students.

Much of her encouragement and inspiration she procures from her mother.

“She has always encouraged me to look beyond the disability and see all the potential in everyone. She still encourages me to do my best and teach from my heart,” Brewer says.

She emphasizes working with her students one-on-one and tries to incorporate hands-on activities in the classroom as much as possible. Teaching a variety of students with differing disabilities can be challenging for both teacher and pupil, so individualized attention is critical to their happiness and success.

Brewer’s teaching style has developed over the years through time spent in the classrooms of other teachers. Combining their methods and styles into one that works for her has allowed Brewer to grow from the experiences of others while deciding for herself the best way to approach her students.

“I learned so many things from Keith Whinnery and Stacie Whinnery’s classes that I still use today,â€? Brewer says, of two professors at UWF who proved particularly influential. “Both teachers have a passion for students with special needs, and it shows through their teaching.”

When asked about Brewer, Keith Whinnery stated, “She seemed to be a very focused and committed student. She was there for more than just the grade; she was there for the knowledge and that was a welcome difference.”

Though her education at UWF played a large part in her effectiveness as a teacher today, Brewer is still undergoing a continuous learning process. “I try to learn something new every day. Many times, I learn something new from my own students. In a sense, they educate me as much as I educate them.”

To read more about Amana Brewer’s Rookie Teacher of the Year award, visit santarosa.k12.fl.us/sref/rookies.htm.

By Kelly Dieckmann, University Marketing Communications