About Amy Dickson, Author Of Amazing Materials 4 You

I’m Amy, author of Amazing Materials 4 You. I am glad you dropped by, and here, I’d like to share my journey in education with you.

Let me begin by sharing I am an accomplished educator with over 30 years of teaching experience spanning various age groups and academic settings. From nurturing the minds of babies in parent/baby music classes to guiding the knowledge – hungry minds of fifth graders, my versatility as an educator is one of my greatest assets.

My Teaching Journey

My teaching journey began in 1987 when I realized that my first career choice was not a good fit for me. After crying to my parents every day for months, they suggested that I try something else. (Honestly, it was more of an ultimatum. I believe one of them said something like, “Stop crying. Either get a new job or go to graduate school!) So, I applied to graduate school and the rest is history.

My thirst for knowledge drove me to pursue not only a master’s degree, but to keep going back and taking more classes for several decades. At this point, I think I have enough classes for a PhD, but that’s a story for another day.

Teaching with a Masters Degree

Getting a masters degree before ACTUALLY teaching isn’t the best route to becoming a teacher, but my options were to get another BA or an MAT and, to me, that really wasn’t a choice. My passion for education led me to facilitate graduate courses at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. in the 90s and to become an adjunct instructor at three colleges in Denver, Colorado, in the 2000s. In those settings, I shared my expertise with aspiring educators and helped shape the next generation of teachers.

My Career in Education

English Language Arts

Early in my career, I developed a passion for writing instruction. My dedication to literacy development and my role as a literacy coach and reading interventionist have made a lasting impact on many students’ educational journeys. In the 2010s, I was lucky to work for a principal with a special education background who wanted all of her teachers to have Orton-Gillingham training, so I acquired a unique skill set that enables me to cater to diverse learners; particularly those with reading difficulties. My knowledge of this approach has allowed me to address challenges faced by students and provide personalized support to meet their individual needs.

Within the educational realm, my dynamic teaching style has found a fitting home in a gifted program. My ability to inspire and challenge intellectually gifted students motivates them to reach their full potential. By offering stimulating and thought-provoking lessons and challenges, I foster an environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a life-long love for learning. I am committed to professional growth and staying up to date with the latest teaching methodologies and best-practices.

Math Instruction

While I excel in teaching a variety of subjects, my true love lies in teaching math. I have found that since I was not a strong math student myself that I have developed an ability to simplify complex concepts and to cheer my students on as they develop solid, mathematical understandings. Through engaging, hands-on activities and the incorporation of real-world problems and applications, I work to instill a deep appreciation for the beauty of mathematics in my students. As an advocate for workshop teaching, I believe in empowering students to take ownership of their learning. By creating an inclusive and interactive classroom environment, I encourage student collaboration, critical thinking, and the development of essential life skills. My dedication to individualized instruction ensures that each student’s unique strengths and challenges are acknowledged and addressed.

With my vast teaching experience, unwavering commitment, and genuine belief in the potential of every student, I continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those I teach. My passion for education and unwavering dedication to fostering a love for learning in my students make me an invaluable asset to the field of education. I look forward to sharing with you here on Amazing Materials 4 You…AM4Y!

Other Fun Facts

In addition to all of this, I am a mom of two adult daughters, a dog, and two cats. In my spare time (also known as “summer” to those of us in the classroom), I like to travel, read, swim, hike, and sing.