“Because my last name is Brown, on the first day of every school year, I begin the year by discussing what a family is. We talk about their family at home and I tell them, that we are a family at school. Then, I give them all a brownie to eat at snack and we make family/friendship bracelets that indoctrinate them into the family. The students think this is fabulous.”
Mrs. Brown has been teaching for 11 years and has been teaching first grade at J. Larry Newton Elementary in Fairhope since 2017. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Deciding to pursue teaching was an easy decision as Mrs. Brown’s mother and grandmother were both teachers.
“They inspired me to continue the tradition,” said Mrs. Brown. “Teaching first grade has always been such a rewarding experience because of reading. Seeing a child make the jump from letter sounds, to blending words, to reading a sentence, to reading a book, is the greatest.”
Creating a safe space for her students has always been a top priority for Mrs. Brown. She is determined that her students feel important and that they know she is invested in each of their lives.
“If my students feel loved and safe, I feel like I’ve done my job. If a child is happy to come to school, then the learning always follows,” Mrs. Brown said. “My teaching style is very inclusive. I believe that all students are able to learn, even its at different levels. My classroom is a warm and friendly place where I hope my students are at ease and feel comfortable. I want my classroom to feel like home. My students know that even though they may be doing hard things, they are always supported and loved.”
With summer in full swing, Mrs. Brown wanted to leave a tip for all the parents while the kids are enjoying their break.
“Read! Read! Read! Have your child read to you and then read to your child! Take turns reading,” she shared. “As you’re traveling make up counting games, count letters on tags and add them to the next car. Let them know that learning can be fun.”
Amy Brown is married to Joe and they have four grown children and two fur babies. The couple loves to travel and go to the beach.
