Observer School Zone Influencer of the Week: Amanda Kohmetscher, Oakland Avenue Charter School

Amanda Kohmetscher is responsible for all things related to state testing, progress monitoring, student management systems, compliance and instructional technology. She manages the tremendous responsibilities with unparalleled organizational skills. She was a primary point person for the school’s pivot to online instruction during the first Covid closure and the continuation of online learning last year. She has managed to bring OACS current and purposeful technology to support student achievement and engagement year after year since taking this role. She calls herself a true tech geek.

What brought you to your school?
This was the first school I applied at. I had just moved back to Central Florida, and my mother-in-law knew someone whose kids went to OACS, and she had spoken very highly of it, so I put in my application and was lucky enough to get an interview and land a first-grade teaching position. 

What do you love most about your school?
I love the people. OACS is truly my second family. I have formed so many long-lasting friendships with fellow staff members and families who have attended this school. 

What is your motivation?
I strive to find ways to enrich education for our students as well as lighten the load on our teachers through the use of technology.  

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to combine all of my passions: technology, leadership and working with students. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my family. My husband and daughter are avid golfers, so you will find us at West Orange Country Club often. I also love to travel and explore new places.  

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Miss G., my fourth- through eighth-grade math teacher. She was the perfect combination, strict but goofy. She used very innovative teaching strategies. I still remember rhymes and acronyms she taught us to help us remember things and some of the videos we watched in her class! 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
I actually always wanted to be a teacher. As far back as I can remember, that was my plan!  I always loved school and had amazing teachers growing up. I always played “school” as a child. I guess it truly was my destiny!

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

When I was a young child I loved Dr. Seuss books because of the crazy characters, illustrations and fun rhymes. I still love reading them to students. As I grew older, I loved reading The Babysitter’s Club series and the Goosebumps series. And as a classroom teacher, I loved reading the Magic Tree House series with my classes.  

What are your hobbies?

I am very interested in interior design and decorating, so I spend a lot of time watching HGTV, getting inspiration from Pinterest and working on my home. I also love planning and going on trips! 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
To clean my house with the snap of my fingers! That would free up a lot of time for me to do things I actually enjoy!

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Dave Matthews Band, Elton John and Barenaked Ladies. These are three of my favorites, and I never get tired of their songs. These are three artists I couldn’t survive without!  

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

That was a looooong time ago!  I don’t really remember what I ate for my school lunches.  It was probably typically a sandwich and chips. I did always love Fruit Roll-Ups! 

What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love decorating the house and tree and watching all the Christmas movies with my family most of all!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
I met my best friend, Stefanie, in third grade at Sunday school. We bonded over our matching denim purses that we had covered in New Kids on the Block buttons! We have been friends ever since! I just visited her this summer!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I played soccer and volleyball in grade school/middle school. I also volunteered a lot. I taught Sunday school and worked at summer camps. I did earn awards in high school for the amount of volunteering I did throughout high school. I was also a member of National Honor Society.  

How long have you been at your school and with OCPS?
I have been working at Oakland Avenue Charter School for my entire career in education. I just celebrated my 15-year anniversary!

What awards or accolades have you received for your job?

Just recently I was nominated for Support Staff of the Year. I received a Principal’s Honor award for going above and beyond to support our school throughout this Covid season.  Also, last year OCPS awarded me a certificate for being an “Assistive Technology Super Hero.”