New teacher Amanda Kay is transitioning her career from sheet music to math papers. Having taught piano for 20 years, Kay is ready for a new way to transfer her teaching techniques from the music studio and apply them to the classroom.  

“Teaching piano showed me how many different ways I might have to explain something before I see the light of understanding turn on in a student’s eyes,” Kay said.  

Kay prioritizes her students. Her main concern is making sure they fully grasp the concept they are learning.  

“I can dig in if something isn’t working [and] change it,” Kay said. 

One of Kay’s teachers changed the way she looked at learning, and that has inspired her to do the same for her students.   

“I want to be just like her. I want to change the way kids think about math and show them they can succeed even in a hard subject,” Kay said.  

To interact more with her students, Kay decided to become a full-time teacher. Kay is currently working toward her master’s degree in secondary mathematics education in order to better the education of her students. 

“I don’t currently teach piano because I’m working on my master’s degree and don’t have the time, but I would like to go back to it,” Kay said.   

Having already been a student teacher at Etowah, Kay was comfortable making the switch.  

“I got to know some of the kids and some of the teachers,” Kay said. 

Whether it be music or math, Kay is working to further her teaching career. Her abilities in both fields will give a good boost for her aspirations to create perfect harmony with each other.