Amanda Dawn Koch is a part of the New Haven School District and has continued the Tradition Of Excellence as the band director and foreign language teacher for seven years. She graduated from Washington High School in May 2001. She then went on to the University Of Missouri to study physical therapy but changed her major to Education during her third year.
What first got Mrs. Koch into teaching was how influential her teachers were throughout her life and the impact that they made on her.
She was questioned on what she loves about teaching, and she said, “I love the fact that I can help individuals grow in every aspect of their life and that what I'm doing every day does make a difference.”
The question of what made her want to teach at New Haven was asked, and she replied, “Since I am originally from Washington, I have always been very familiar with New Haven and the great things that have always been achieved here. Then when the position for a band director became available, I thought, what a great opportunity-- close to home and a great school!”
In her free time, Mrs. Koch says she loves to play with her kids. She has three children. Colton, who is four, Shane, a two year old, and Heidi, a seven month old.
Mrs. Koch was asked if she had any favorite quotes, and she first said, “I love any inspirational quotes about being positive and moving forward.”
She then answered that her quote of choice is, “‘The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.’ -Winston Churchill.”
Mrs. Koch also wanted to add that, to her, “living life as teacher is the best life that could be lived!”
Thank you to Mrs. Koch for upholding our Tradition Of Excellence at New Haven High. Hopefully you will continue to teach the kids of the New Haven School District foreign languages and how to perform music.