The O'Farrell Charter Schools
San Diego, CA
When Amanda began teaching fifth grade in a low-income urban neighborhood, she was struck by her students’ lack of engagement with the standard curriculum. It quickly became clear that many of the texts and materials did not reflect their realities, making it difficult for them to connect with the content. Amanda realized that if she wanted to spark a genuine interest in reading at such a pivotal stage in their academic journey, she would need to reimagine what they were being taught. She designed a brand-new curriculum centered around diverse novels that mirrored her students’ lived experiences—stories that addressed topics like immigration, racism, learning English, the loss of a parent, and family separation. She acquired class sets by seeking donations and contacting authors directly. Her efforts paid off: students were captivated, motivated, and fully immersed in their learning. That year, they earned the highest English state exam scores in school history, showing the power of inclusive, relevant education.
Amanda was most recently recognized as a Top 10 contender in the prestigious America’s Favorite Teacher contest, a national honor that highlights exceptional educators who make a lasting impact in their communities. She is also currently nominated for the Expanded Learning Superstar Award from the San Diego County Office of Education, which celebrates educators committed to student growth, engagement, and safety beyond the traditional classroom setting. Beyond these recognitions, Amanda has served as a key member of her school’s leadership team for the past six years, earning multiple promotions due to her consistent excellence, mentorship, and innovative contributions to school improvement. She is known for her ability to uplift those around her—both students and colleagues—and for her unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture. Through her leadership, service, and continued recognition, Amanda demonstrates what it truly means to be a transformative educator.
Amanda was teaching fifth grade when the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly forced schools to transition to remote learning. Teachers were suddenly tasked with engaging young students online—an enormous challenge under any circumstances, but especially so in the low-income community where Amanda taught. Access to technology was limited, and it took time for the school to distribute laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure every family could participate in virtual education. In the interim, Amanda took it upon herself to deliver printed learning materials directly to her students’ homes, leaving packets on their doorsteps to keep them learning. Once most students were connected online, she adapted her teaching to meet the moment. Recognizing that many of her students were home alone during the day, Amanda designed lessons that blended academic standards with practical life skills. She taught them how to prepare simple meals without using a stove or oven—empowering them with knowledge while keeping learning both relevant and accessible.