Spotlight: Amanda Fair-Coles (SC '23)

South Carolina Milken Educator Amanda Fair-Coles values having a looped classroom where she not only nurtures relationships with students and their families, but also strengthens her teaching tactics. This classroom formula allows her to modify the curriculum to students’ individual needs — resulting in tremendous academic growth. Amanda's students have even signed a petition for her to teach them again during the upcoming school year. Amanda received a 2023-24 South Carolina Milken Educator Award in North on January 26, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Amanda Fair-Coles: (SC '23): My students were ecstatic when I received my Milken Educator Award surprise! Their exact words were, "We won, we won, we ALWAYS win!" There were also students outside of my classroom who were very excited! They all came up to me to congratulate me whenever they had an opportunity. Some of my former students said they wanted to be back in my class, and some asked what I was going to do with the money. They think I am now rich! 

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

Fair-Coles: My role models as an educator are Dr. Oneida Colter, my former supervising teacher during student teaching and Mrs. Mary Pent, a fellow educator with whom I had the pleasure of working alongside for over 10 years. 

My grandmother played an integral role in my decision to become a teacher, because it was once her dream. I recall her setting up an area in her home for me to play school. I would pretend to teach her and other family members. I had no idea that those moments in my childhood would have such an impact on who I am today. I also recall my first and second grade teachers who worked diligently to ensure I was successful in reading and math. I remember sitting next to the teacher's desk until I mastered certain skills that were being taught at that time. Because of those experiences as a student, I am committed to ensuring that I provide my students with the necessary tools to be successful. 

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. 

Fair-Coles: I taught kindergarten my first year of teaching. Mrs. Pent, another kindergarten teacher, helped me tremendously as a first-year teacher. From helping me create learning centers for my students to setting year-long student learning objectives, I am forever grateful for her guidance during the beginning of my teaching career. I also had a great teacher's assistant who provided me with support in the classroom by helping students, setting up the classroom, organizing, drawings for anchor charts, etc.  

My wonderful principal Mrs. Sylvia Williams remains a constant support and advocate for teacher and student success. I am forever grateful for the various opportunities she has given me in the field of education. A memory that stands out is when the parent of a challenging student wrote me a note saying, "Thank you for not giving up on my child." We had a rough start but were able to make it through because the parent and I built a relationship to support her child's success. 

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

Fair-Coles: I hope they remember what they have accomplished and what they are capable of as young learners. I hope they remember that I love them and will be there for them as long as I can.  

MFF: Can you share more about your transition from being an instructional assistant to becoming a certified teacher? What inspired you to pursue a career in education? 

Fair-Coles: My desire to become a teacher was a mainstay for me. I never imagined myself in any other profession. In fact, all my work experience involved children. I have always loved working with children — my first job was at my cousin’s daycare. Before I was legally able to work, she allowed me to volunteer. I worked there until I entered college. As I began my undergraduate studies, I majored in early childhood education to obtain my teaching certification. However, I did not stick to my plan of becoming a teacher because the timeline was longer than I wished due to my being unsuccessful on various tests. So, I changed my major and graduated with a degree in sociology. I worked as an instructional assistant for several years, until my principal reassigned me to a position I did not exactly want to be in at that time. At that moment, I completed my graduate studies to become a certified teacher. However, everything I learned during my time as an instructional assistant was very beneficial to my teaching career.  

MFF: How has having a "looped" classroom, where you continue with your students from kindergarten to first grade, impacted your teaching approach and student relationships?  

Fair-Coles: Having a looped classroom has allowed my students to grow tremendously. We have continued to nurture relationships and build stronger bonds with their families. My teaching approach has gotten stronger along with the bonds I have built. I know my students well enough to modify curriculum pieces to benefit their learning needs. I have tailored strategies to fit the needs of all my students. My teaching approach is now more personalized. My students have grown so much in first grade that they started a petition to have me as their teacher again in the upcoming school year. They used their skills in data to create a survey with collected responses and gave it to the principal. I was so happy to see them apply their learning in this way. 

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Fair-Coles: Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it must come from the heart. As teachers, we are entrusted with the noble tasks of guiding young minds towards their fullest potential, igniting the spark of inquiry, and shaping the character of generations to come. Show students you care first, building relationships is so important to becoming a successful teacher. It can be done! It is my hope that you will be a beacon of hope for every student whose life you will touch. Our future needs you! 

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school? 

Fair-Coles: I am currently working on my National Board Certification! Additionally, my school is the district winner for i-Ready Personalized Instruction in Reading. 

Watch our interview with Amanda Fair-Coles (SC '23) on the day of her Milken Award notification: