MCT-2024-08-01

Marion County’s Finest 2024— 17 Amy Fowler Is Named Finest High School Teacher A my Fowler’s journey in education began in 2000 when she started her career with Marion County Schools at Jasper Middle School. After spending her first year there, she transitioned to Marion County High School, where she has since taught a diverse range of subjects including U.S. History, College Psychology, AP Psychology, and Per- sonal Finance. Her extensive qualifica- tions, which include endorsements in both English and Social Sciences, have allowed her to offer a varied educa- tional experience to her students. Her path to teaching began later in life after she spent ten years raising her three children. Once they were in school, she pursued a master’s degree in teaching, focusing on Social Sciences, and also obtained an endorsement in English. This broad qualification set her apart, as few teachers possess expertise in both areas. Despite the challenges as- sociated with teaching multiple tested subjects, Amy finds that the high-stress environment has prepared her well, in- stilling a sense of capability in her. Amy’s passion for education is deeply rooted in her personal experi- ences and her lifelong connection to the area. She graduated from Marion County High School and has found great joy in working alongside many of her best friends who are also teachers. Her experiences, including raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, pro- vide her with unique insights and em- pathy that she brings to her teaching. Reflecting on influential figures in her life, Amy credits her father with being a significant source of inspira- tion. Her late mother also played a cru- cial role, and Amy fondly recalls the impact of her second-grade teacher, Kathy Quarles. After a serious acci- dent in second grade, Ms. Quarles went above and beyond to keep Amy up to date with her schoolwork, preventing her from repeating the grade. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Amy and influenced her commitment to education. Amy has made a considerable im- pact through her role as the sponsor of the Interact Club, an initiative she established at the high school to promote community service. The club has undertaken various projects, including revitalizing neglected cem- eteries and supporting local veterans and nursing homes. These activities have been well-received by students, many of whom find it to be their fa- vorite part of high school. Amy’s dedication to teaching is ev- ident in her enthusiasm for engaging students and her pride in their achieve- ments. A particularly rewarding mo- ment was when a previously shy stu- dent, inspired by Amy’s AP Psychol- ogy class, changed her career path to psychiatric nursing. Such experiences reinforce Amy’s commitment to mak- ing a positive impact on her students’ lives. Being named the finest high school teacher in Marion County was both a surprise and an honor for Amy. Although she is more reserved and prefers to work behind the scenes, she appreciates the recognition and the positive feedback from the com- munity. Amy values the opportunity to let her students shine, particularly through her work with the Interact Club, and is grateful for the acknowl- edgment of her efforts. Looking forward, Amy is optimis- tic about the future of her school and her role as a teacher. She believes that the passion and excitement of educa- tors significantly influence students. With a supportive principal and en- thusiastic colleagues, she is eager to start the new school year, reconnect with students, and implement en- gaging activities to foster a dynamic learning environment. Marion County Named Finest High School 2024