Portage High School has the good fortune of having Amanda Kennedy in its midst. A new student teacher, Kennedy is learning the ins and outs of what the PHS English Department is like.
But how did Kennedy come to be walking the halls of the school? Let's go back to an earlier time to find out.
Kennedy was born in Michigan. She has one younger brother, whom she is quite close with, and a set of loving parents.
"I was very quite as a child," Kennedy said. "I spent a lot of my time reading and we did lots of family stuff. We had a lot fun together."
At a young age she wished to work as an educator. She went to school in Iowa and then came to Northwest Indiana to continue her education at Indiana University Northwest. She is set to graduate in May of 2015.
"My mom actually taught [at IUN] and it was neat to go there. It was like continuing a tradition. I loved that it was so close and I could stay with my family. I got a lot of one-on-one time with my professors," Kennedy said. "I've wanted to teach since I was in the 2nd grade. I love working with kids and I love English and I thought why not have the best of both worlds?"
As is typical with an education degree, students must complete a stint in an actual classroom teaching actual students. Kennedy had a desire to stay close to home while completing her student teaching so she found an opening at Merrillville High School. Then she jumped at the chance when PHS had an opening for a student teacher.
"I was at Merrillville but I wanted more. Portage was at the top of my list," Kennedy said. "I've got great teachers here that I work with. It's like a new little home and everyone is so kind here."
As a student teacher Kennedy helps create lesson plans, grade papers, instruct the students during class, establish a rapport with the students and teachers, and a lot more.
Kennedy will teach at Portage for 60 days and then it's on to graduation. But what about after college is over? Where does she wish to go and what does she wish to do?
"I would love to come back to Portage and teach. It's a nice community where everyone looks out for everyone else," Kennedy said. "I'd also like to go back to school one day and get my Masters in Creative Writing."
Currently, Kennedy is a Digital Lead at Barnes & Noble in Valparaiso. She is an avid reader and is happiest with a book in her hand.