Amber McDonald Earns Kresston’s 3rd Quarter Educator Spotlight Award
For McDonald, teaching is not just a career; it’s something she has wanted her entire life.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl,” she said.
Fulfilling her dream began at Sam Houston State University, then led to Magnolia ISD where she started her career at Williams Elementary before joining Audubon. She has been a kindergarten teacher for seven years now.
What keeps her in the classroom? Watching little readers come to life.
“I love teaching my kindergarten students how to read and write using their phonics skills,” she said.
Her approach is built on celebration.
“I help my students learn by setting goals and celebrating when they reach a new goal,” she said. In her classroom, every milestone is a victory worth cheering.
The Educator Spotlight Award is based on resident nominations. The four McDonald received describe a teacher who goes out of her way to make sure every child feels welcome.
One parent shared that when bus troubles left her daughter arriving 30 to 45 minutes late every day at the beginning of the year, McDonald took the time to pull her aside and help her catch up on the day’s lesson and comforted her whenever she felt overwhelmed.
“She is a wonderful teacher, and I am so glad she is my daughter’s first,” the parent wrote.
One grandparent wrote that their granddaughter “loves her to death and says she is the best teacher ever and looks forward to going to school every day.”
Another family new to kindergarten this year noticed the difference immediately.
“The kids were scared the first few days, and the way she goes above and beyond to make all feel welcome is something very special.”
The fourth nomination summed up what matters most to parents. “Leaving your child at school for the first time can be emotional and a little scary, but Mrs. McDonald has always made me feel comfortable knowing my daughter is in good hands.”
When McDonald learned she had been selected, she was genuinely caught off guard.
“I was definitely surprised that I earned this amazing award,” she said.
She already knows how she will put her $500 award to work for her students.
“I plan to use the money to purchase more phonics resources for my students, such as decodable readers, hands-on letter tiles, sound boxes, and mini whiteboards for them to spell words with.”
Congratulations, Mrs. McDonald, and thank you for making kindergarten a place where Kresston’s youngest learners feel safe, loved, and excited to come to school every day.
The Educator Spotlight Award is given each quarter to educators who go above and beyond for their students. Recipients are selected based on recommendations from the Kresston community. Along with recognition, winners receive a $500 prize to support their classrooms and innovative teaching methods.
Eligible educators and staff must work at one of the schools serving Kresston, including Audubon Elementary, Magnolia Parkway Intermediate, Magnolia Parkway Junior High School,and Magnolia West High School.