As we welcome a new year at Jackson-Reed, we also welcome the arrival of new educators within our school community. One of those new faces can be found on the third floor of the B-wing: Amy Collins, who teaches a whopping five sections of AP U.S. Government, as well as one section of on-level U.S. Government.
Collins worked last year at DCPS Central Office in the social studies department, traveling around the district to different high schools and interacting with their programs. Prior to that, Collins had been a teacher for 23 years, though that was not her original intention.
“I worked in politics for two years,” Collins said, describing the beginning of her career. “At the end of those two years, I realized the ways in which my teachers had impacted and influenced me and I needed to repay that. So, I decided to go and get a teaching degree.”
Collins has a political science degree from Montana State University, as well as a strong passion for and expansive knowledge of government: “I feel like it is a subject that’s not simply the retelling of a story. It is, how can you see yourself either reflected or not reflected in your community, and what can you do about it?”
Though Collins has seven years of experience coaching track and field and 13 of coaching volleyball, both at the high school level, she does not want to venture back into coaching but rather plans to be an involved community member at JR in other ways. “I do want to just support the students and the things that are interesting to them,” she said. “Because there are so many opportunities for you all, I’m hopeful to find those niche ways to support you and the things that matter to you.”
Outside of the classroom, one may find Collins on long runs around DC, hanging out with friends, or simply exploring the city. “As someone who is 24 years into [teaching], my work-life balance is of the utmost importance.” Collins joked that she will be the last person to be up at 11:30 p.m. answering emails, and tries to think as little as possible about school when she is not working.
“I hope not to be one and done at Jackson-Reed,” Collins said. Looking forward, Collins hopes to continue teaching for the time being and forge meaningful connections with JR students. She ultimately hopes students will take two things away from her class: “The more you engage with the people around you and the different ways of thinking, the richer your experience will be. I truly do always hope that my students leave me knowing that we don’t always have to agree on things for me to be an advocate for you and for me to care about who you are.”
