Shining a Light on . . . Amy Shoaf

An educator for 28 years, junior kindergarten teacher Amy Shoaf has an energy level that generates excitement for learning in her classroom. Take some time to get to know a little more about Mrs. Amy.

Why did you want to become a teacher?     

My grandmother, who was a big part of my life, was a teacher.  I had the opportunity to go to work with her many days while growing up.  I will never forget the joy and excitement that I would see in the children's faces as soon as they saw her each day.   I knew then that I wanted to be that person that made a difference for others and created a joy and love for learning just as she had.  

What do you enjoy about teaching Junior Kindergarten?   

Junior Kindergarten is truly a magical year for children.  Their brains develop so much at the ages of 4 and 5 so the amount of learning and development that happens over this year is amazing.   There is nothing like watching a child's light bulb click on! There is excitement all day, every day.

What are some ways you bring lessons to life?  

Children this age thrive on real facts and experiences.  One of my favorite units to teach about is “The Farm” because my husband's family has several farms.  I love bringing in real cotton, soybeans, and sunflower plants for the children to touch, pull apart and see.  I enjoy helping them understand that there are more than just animal farms.  The vocabulary is rich with this unit as well.  I enjoy introducing the children to "grown up" vocabulary such as combine, cultivate, cotton gin, harvest.

What do you hope to accomplish in your job?

I hope to instill a love for learning in all children.  For myself, I want to continue developing lifelong friendships with colleagues, children, and families. It is important to me to stay connected with all of these people.

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

It is all about the children!  I enjoy watching them get excited about learning and being so inquisitive about the unknown. I love listening to them laugh, and of course I love the hugs I get each day.  

What makes the St. Agnes-St. Dominic ECC experience unique?     

The environment in the ECC is very dynamic. There is happy energy and lots of laughter. It is a joy to see the students engaged in authentic learning each day. Each of my colleagues brings a unique gift and talent to our area, and these talents all complement each other in a special way.  

Which of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community, Service impacts you the most every day in your role?

Community is the backbone of the ECC! Our families have so much to offer.  I am so appreciative of the parent involvement on our campus and their willingness to contribute to the students’ learning and offer help when needed.  We have so many resources here, and the children get very excited when a dentist, firefighter, zookeeper, or pilot shows up for an “in house” field trip, and it is a parent or relative of a student.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for my family that has supported me throughout my teaching career. Teaching can be exhausting, and yet it is the most rewarding career there is.  The fact that I know I come home to a house that loves me no matter what after a long day means the world.   I am also grateful for all the families who have given me the opportunity to teach their child. It’s an absolute joy to go to a former students' wedding or baby shower where I am introduced as "My Kindergarten Teacher.”   

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the classroom? What are you particularly passionate about?   

I am particularly passionate about Alabama Football! I enjoy exercising, spending time with family and friends, traveling, lake time, beach time, working in my yard and arranging flowers.