Amy Messer has been teaching for 26 years. She teaches high school science and STEM courses at Linden High School. This year, she’s also teaching physical science, inventions and inventions II.
How do you connect with students?
One of my favorite ways to connect with students is to share some of my funny stories with them. All of the stories that I share are true and some of their favorites include: “The Missing Snake in my Classroom” and “How I Was Attacked by a Deer.” Students get a chance to laugh with me (and at me).
What’s your favorite thing about working in this subject area?
I have always had an interest in science and math. I grew up with a family that loved being outdoors. I loved to explore the woods around my home, build forts, and stay outside from sunup to sun down. As a student, I excelled in math and science, which drove my career choice to become a biology major.
Who was your role model growing up?
All of my role models were people that I was close to. First, there was my brother, who got me interested in baseball and softball. I watched him from the bleachers of his Little League and Babe Ruth games. He pitched and played first base, which inspired me to do the same. Secondly, my mom. She is the most incredible mom. She was very athletic and was my personal catcher as I learned to pitch. She always encouraged me, even when my wild pitches bowed our chain link fence. Then there was my pitching coach, “Bunky” Enos. He was a Battalion Captain in our local fire department and was one the top men’s fast-pitch hurlers in the state. Lastly, my dad. He worked every day in a local paint factory. He never missed work and never missed one of my games. He sold candy bars at work as a fundraiser to pay for my airfare and lodging to tournaments held across the county. All of these individuals demonstrated how to be kind, have integrity, work hard, show respect, and to put others first.