By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amanda Buethe, a second Grade teacher at Faris Elementary School in Hutchinson has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for September.
Buethe is in her 22nd year in education and has taught every level from kindergarten through 12th grade.
"I started in McPherson, which was amazing," Buethe said. "They really do things there to where I was built up as a new teacher, and then I went back to my hometown in western Kansas and taught in Ness City for 11 years, and that's where I really learned to be a good teacher. We moved to Hutch four years ago and it's been a great transition here, too."
This year marks her first time teaching second grade in USD 308.
"I taught fifth and then I was an instructional coach for a couple years, and then I got back in the classroom and did third grade and then now second. I'll teach whatever, it doesn't matter, I try to go where I'm needed. This year we did it to where there's kind of a veteran teacher in every grade, which helped. I'll just teach, whatever my favorite grade is whatever I'm teaching at the time."
She said her motivation comes from seeing her students succeed.
"I think when those kids finally get it, I think that's very rewarding," Buethe said. "I think when they get excited about learning about something, when I get and follow their curiosity, I think that's very rewarding when we finally meet some expectation or some goal that we have been striving for, that's really rewarding, that kind of keeps me going. I also really think I've done it this long because I've had amazing colleagues for the last 23 years, the fact the blood, sweat and tears that they've put into it keeps me going every day as well."
Buethe said the recognition is meaningful because it reflects the collective effort of her school.
“It’s great to be recognized, but teaching is not individual, it’s collective,” she said. “I love that Faris as a building was recognized. The surprise for my kids was the best part; they were so excited. It really boosted them to see their hard work celebrated, not just mine.”
Buethe also credits the environment at Faris Elementary for her enthusiasm.
"Faris is an amazing building to work, but also to just go every day we have people who are doing really amazing heart work, right?" Buethe said. "So we really try to educate that whole child, and we really try to find and lift up our students and figure out what really makes them, and go from there. You walk through our hallways and there's lots of laughter. You walk through our hallways and there's lots of team building and team working together. People pick up the slack where needed. I could not have asked for a better place to work at USD 308."
She was nominated by Brandae Tate, who praised Buethe’s dedication.
"Amanda is beyond committed to being the best teacher she can be. She is the first one in the building and the last one to leave. She puts in so much personal time to help her classroom. Beyond inside the school she is always growing in her profession. She is always willing to partake in professional development. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient."
