Amanda Harden

Q: Why did you choose Ada High School?

A: One reason I chose Ada High School is because my husband was hired on with the Chickasaw Nation, so we moved to Ada from Oklahoma City.  Ada High School was on the top of my list of schools to apply to for a position because I have heard great things about this school and have know[n] people who have graduated from this school and are great people. AHS seemed like the right fit for me.

Q: How long did it did it take for you to get a teaching degree?

A: I began pursuing a nursing degree from East Central University in 2006 but quickly decided that wasn’t the degree for me. I switched to a Biology degree and was certified to be a teacher after five total years of college work.

Q: Are you enjoying the high school?

A: So far, I am enjoying this high school. I took a year off from teaching, so it has been quite an adjustment for me, but the students and staff have been great and very helpful in my time of adjustment. It has been fun for the past four weeks.

Q: Finish the phrase “my students…”

A: My students are fun, intelligent and challenging.  They give me a reason to get up in the morning. They give me a purpose in life.

Q: What is you favorite subject besides science?

A: Aside from science, I always enjoyed math. It is simple for me and something that never changes. I like knowing what’s coming next. Other hobbies I enjoy are baking, reading and exercising.

Q: Do you have pets?

A: My family recently adopted a Labrador puppy for my 4-year-old. Her name is Harley, and she is very spunky. We enjoy playing with her and going on walks around the park. We also have a Beta fish named Blue, he is blue. That’s about it for the fish.

Q: Do you like living in Oklahoma?

A: I have always loved living in Oklahoma. Like any other state, there are good places and not so good places. But, after traveling to many other states, I have noticed that people seem so much more friendly in Oklahoma. I have lived here all my life and don’t ever plan on leaving.

Q: What’s your favorite color?

A: My favorite color tends to change like the seasons. Today, I would say it is turquoise.

Q: Where have you taught before?

A: My first year of teaching was spent at Kerr Middle School in Del City, Oklahoma. I taught 7th grade science. I didn’t feel like that was a good fit for me, so I moved on to high school and taught four years at Piedmont High School. I loved it, so I came back to teaching after my short break.

Q: Where’s the most exciting place you’ve been?

A: The most exciting place I have been would be Israel. I was able to travel there for two weeks with my grandmother right before I graduated college. We went with a group from our church and toured the whole country. I learned a lot of new things and was able to visualize many of the Bible stories I have read. It was a very neat experience. The different cultures there were very interesting to observe as well.