Mrs. Amanda Murray-Biography

Grade Level: Grades 9–12+ | Ages 15–21
Courses Taught: Life Skills, Life Strategies, English, Math, Science/Social Studies
Room: 157
Email: [email protected]

Education

I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where I earned my degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. I later attended California University of Pennsylvania to complete additional coursework toward my permanent teaching certification.

I began my teaching career at McKeesport Area High School as a Learning Support English teacher. In 2001, I joined Hempfield Area High School, where I continued teaching high school Learning Support English. I later transitioned into Life Skills Support, where I have found a true passion for helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for life beyond high school.

My students range in age from 15–21, and a major focus of our classroom is preparing each student for a successful transition into adulthood. I strive to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that allow students to practice the individual transition, employment, and independent living skills identified within their educational programs.

Throughout the school year, our students have opportunities to practice job skills in a variety of settings throughout the high school, across the Hempfield Area School District, at our Transition Center, and within local businesses and organizations. We work closely with district staff and community partners to create experiences that are meaningful and appropriate for each student's individual goals and abilities.

Some of our real-world learning experiences include working in the high school cafeteria each school day, participating in weekly grocery shopping trips, and practicing job skills throughout the school district and community. During our grocery trips, students help create shopping lists, develop a budget, locate items, compare prices, make purchases, and manage money. Items purchased may be used for our weekly classroom recipe, Discovery Foods class, Transition Center activities, or other school projects.

Students also have opportunities to develop workplace skills at the Transition Center, in different schools throughout the district, and at a variety of community businesses. These experiences allow students to practice important skills such as following directions, completing tasks, communicating with others, working as part of a team, managing time, problem-solving, and demonstrating appropriate workplace behaviors.

Our ultimate goal is to help every student become as independent, confident, and prepared for adulthood as possible. We strive to prepare students for competitive employment, with or without support, while also building the independent living, communication, social, and self-advocacy skills they will need to be successful beyond high school.

I truly enjoy watching my students grow, gain confidence, discover their strengths, and experience success through meaningful opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.