Best in Teaching

Amanda Koepplin has been named Eddy County's Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made by NR-S Superintendent Jill Louters at the school board's February meeting, honoring Koepplin for her years of service to the district and making her eligible for recognition at the state and national levels.

A native of Carrington and a 2012 graduate of CHS, Koepplin has been teaching at New Rockford-Sheyenne since 2018, when she first took on a substitute teacher role for the district.

Her first full-time position at NR-S came a year later when she began teaching first grade, before moving to third grade in 2020, where she still teaches today.

And now, after leaving a positive impression on her students and fellow faculty members, she's been honored as the district's top teacher this year.

"I am very honored to be named the Eddy County Teacher of the Year!" exclaimed Koepplin. "I was initially taken back by it because I feel my part in the school system involves so much more than just me. I have administration I can turn to for guidance, coworkers to bounce ideas off of and lean on, and paras that support me in whatever I need! The job of teaching is so much more than just the classroom teacher in my eyes! Just like raising your own children – 'it takes a village.'"

Koepplin currently lives in New Rockford with her husband Taylor and two children.

She first moved to town in 2018 having previously worked as an elementary and Title I reading teacher in Wishek, N.D.

"These first few years of teaching were difficult as many new teachers experience, but it also taught me so much that I can reflect on today. I had some great mentors while at Wishek," recalled Koepplin.

"... Many of my former coworkers, who I still keep in touch with, taught me so many new strategies, showed me how to analyze and implement assessments, guided me through building relationships with students and families, and so much more."

Koepplin attended NDSU in Fargo, where she enrolled in the elementary education program. Then, through a partnership between VCSU and NDSU, Koepplin graduated in 2016 with a dual bachelor's degree in elementary education as well as human development and family science.

She also has multiple endorsements and credentials to go along with her degrees, such as a Title I reading credential, a Title I math credential, and an early childhood endorsement.

Like many teachers, Koepplin was inspired to go into teaching by those who taught her growing up in Carrington and throughout her education, many of whom she still remembers to this day.

"I have so many vivid memories from teachers who inspired me, from elementary to college," said Koepplin.

"A few that stick out are Nyla Walen, who showed me kindness and compassion. Susan Fredrickson, who always made learning fun. The late Eric and Kristen Hewitt, that I could always turn to when in need. Andy Braaten, who instilled a love for math in me. Even the librarians, Claudia Park and Mary Nelson, played a part in my venture into teaching by showing how enjoyable picking up a book can be!"

Years later, Koepplin is now putting all the lessons and inspirations she received as a student to good use at NR-S.

She said the most rewarding part of her job is developing relationships with her students and watching them grow and excel.

"It will be fun to see who these young people turn into, and I can only hope they remember me as I remember some of my former teachers," said Koepplin. "I hope my students remember me as a loving, caring and patient teacher, who also taught them a lot along the way!"