Amanda McMains has been a dedicated teacher at Fair Grove for the past six years, bringing a surplus of knowledge and experience to her role. Currently, she teaches technology to first through fourth graders and gifted classes for first through eighth graders.
McMains graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and later earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Evangel University. She started her teaching career at Fair Grove Elementary, where she completed her student teaching in a third-grade class. From there, she moved to Everton Elementary, teaching fourth grade for one year. Afterward, she returned to Fair Grove, where she taught second grade for a year. She then transitioned back to teaching fourth grade, a position she held for four years before moving into her current role, where she has been for the past two years.
McMains credits her sixth-grade teacher with inspiring her passion for teaching. She recalled, “She was a great role model and made learning so fun.” This inspiration has influenced her approach in the classroom, where she loves creating a “classroom family” each year. McMains is passionate about building relationships with her students by, “creating a learning environment that offers grace, encouragement, fun, and positivity.”
Outside of her professional life, McMains balances her career with her personal life. Her son, Gabe McMains, graduated last year, while her daughter, Alice McMains (10), currently attends Fair Grove Schools in the same building. Alice shared her appreciation for having her mom work at the same school, explaining how convenient it is to be able to stop by her mom’s room whenever needed even if it’s just for a quick visit or a ride home. Alice added, “I really love having my mom working here. I can just see her anytime I want! She can make you feel so good about yourself, [and] I love the way she is always so happy.”
Despite the many rewards of teaching, McMains also faces challenges. One of the biggest obstacles she encounters is managing the time required to cover all necessary standards and ensuring each student achieves proficiency in the material. She overcomes this challenge by staying focused and prioritizing the needs of her students.
Over the course of eight years in education, seven of which have been spent at Fair Grove, McMains has had a lasting impact on her students. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared, “Every single time I see my students succeed at anything, that is memorable to me! Watching them successfully use the methods that I teach them is something special.”
