Dear Jaguar Family,

It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as a newly appointed assistant principal of Austin Road Elementary! I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to work alongside Mrs. Barney to lead the instructional efforts at ARE. We are extremely fortunate to serve such a supportive community of dedicated teachers, involved parents, and diverse learners.

During my 15 year career as an educator, I have served students as both a teacher and an administrator. As an assistant principal, I supported two schools during the initial phase of their journey with Personalized Learning: Unity Grove Elementary and Ola Elementary. As a teacher, I facilitated professional learning experiences at a district and state level through my involvement as a Teacher on Assignment for project-based learning (PBL), a project manager for school transformation, and as a writer and editor of the CCGPS Frameworks for Mathematics. My work with the Georgia Department of Education helped me gain a better understanding of curriculum development and the Georgia Standards for Excellence which has served me well as a teacher leader and as an administrator. My extensive knowledge of curriculum and consistent practice of utilizing research-based instructional strategies, such as PBL, have resulted in recognition by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and President Barack Obama and the White House Office of Science and Technology as Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Finalist in 2016. These awards have confirmed for me the impact of collegial relationships and supportive leadership on excellence in education.

Although I have demonstrated to be an effective teacher in the classroom and have built capacity for the use of effective instructional strategies among many of my colleagues, I am still growing as an instructional leader. I want to “pay forward” the experiences I had as a teacher to the many innovative teachers I serve in our school. Teachers and students will take risks when they know they are supported through timely feedback, high quality resources, and opportunities for growth. I encourage you to join me in supporting a culture of excellence by actively participating in your child's educational experience.

I look forward to meeting you and your family at ARE throughout the year! There are always students and teachers in need of ideas, resources, a helping hand, a mentor, or a lunch buddy, so please be sure to find out how you can help when you stop by the school. In addition, please feel welcome to contact me with any praises, concerns, questions, or ideas via email at acavin@henry.k12.ga.us or by phone at 770) 389-6556.

In partnership with you,

Amanda Cavin