Riverlawn Elementary School has named Mrs. Amanda Midkiff as their 2022-23 Teacher of the Year. Midkiff is a Pulaski County High School graduate. She attended one year at David Lipscomb University in Nashville, then transferred to Radford University to complete her degree.
Midkiff has been with Pulaski County Public Schools for 17 years. She began her journey as a teacher in 1999 at Critzer Elementary School, teaching second grade. She taught there until 2004, when she discovered she was going to have her first of what would be two children.
After seven years, Mrs. Midkiff returned to teaching in at Critzer in 2011, where she remained until 2020. That year, she transferred to Riverlawn Elementary, where she works today teaching all academic subjects to our second-grade students.
“Mrs. Midkiff is an amazing teacher,” Riverlawn Elementary Principal Kim Sink said. “She treats each child in her class as if they were her own. Her love and kindness pours out into everything she does.”
In the nomination form, her co-workers mentioned several things about her attitude and demeanor.
“Riverlawn had the pleasure of having Amanda transfer from Critzer three years ago. She often says she has found her retirement home. Mrs. Midkiff demonstrates a positive attitude and is so compassionate to our students. She always has a smile on her face and her positive energy is uplifting. Mrs. Midkiff works collaboratively with her grade level team and other colleagues on developing and sharing teaching ideas, resources, and activities that make learning fun and engaging for all students. Recently, Mrs. Midkiff had her students create a living wax museum. Students researched a famous American, developed a presentation about what they learned, then became a live wax museum figure portraying their character. Students' families were invited to attend this event. The wax museum is a day these students will never forget.”
Becoming a teacher was a lifelong dream for Midkiff.
“Beginning very early in my life, I remember how I loved going to school every day and how much I loved my elementary teachers,” she said. “We always had fun and I felt so good being around them. Later on, I aspired to teach because I wanted to give other children the same opportunities to love school. Inspiring young people to be their best and do great things brings out much happiness in me, so it’s a win win!”
“I really love building relationships with people,” Midkiff said when asked about some of her favorite parts of being a teacher. “The teaching profession is truly about that. We build relationships with colleagues, parents, student teachers, and students. But of course, the most valuable bond in the classroom is with the student. It’s a big responsibility being that constant influence in their lives. Knowing that I can offer my time and sacrifice my efforts for them daily brings me joy because many times it pays off far greater dividends in the long run. I love people, so interacting with them daily, getting to know them, and work with them, is ideal for me….as long as I’ve had the right amount of coffee first.”
Midkiff also admitted there are some challenges that come with teaching.
“Negativity, for sure,” she said. “When I started in the late 90’s, the profession seemed to be more valued and respected by society as a whole. In today’s present world, negativity, and to put it broadly, disrespect, run rampant. To give away the nonrenewable resource of time to someone, only to have them act incredibly ungrateful for it, hurts my heart.”
While working with second-graders has been rewarding, Midkiff would also enjoy teaching a more specific subject if given the chance.
“I’d like to teach writing composition,” she said. “Students don’t realize that they have a voice at the end of a pencil. Once they learn the less fun parts, such as grammar and the mechanics of the written language, many students would probably enjoy writing more.”
While teaching was always something at the top of her list, Mrs. Midkiff also had another interest at one point.
“When I was in college, I considered becoming a psychiatrist because I desire any work that helps those who are hurting,” she said. “Teaching is a good work, and I’m still glad I chose it. I currently am writing children’s books, also. That is certainly one ambition I have always had and publishing my first book was a dream come true. Maybe once I retire it will be my new career.”
When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Midkiff enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and church family. She enjoys reading, writing, and snuggling her dog, but not necessarily in that order.
“Please don’t tell her she is a dog, because I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t believe you anyway,” she admitted.
Amanda Midkiff is married to her husband of 23 years, G.E. Midkiff, and they have two children; almost 19-year-old Caleb and 17-year-old Parker. Her parents are Charlotte and Duane Hall.