When you add up the qualities of Andalusia Middle School math teacher, Amy Bryan, it’s no surprise that she is the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce’s middle school teacher of the year.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Troy University and has been a teacher for the last five years – four as math teacher to AMS seventh graders.

“I feel students learn best when they are able to derive a formula or mathematical rule by working through an investigation rather than just memorizing the steps,” Bryan said. “This is successful when students work together. That leads to better collective thinkers.”
Bryan is no stranger to working as a group.

At AMS, Bryan volunteers as the Mathcounts program coordinator and the school’s math team leader and is a co-sponsor for the AMS cheerleading squad and the school’s Peer Helpers, a student mentor group. She is active in the Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club, Relay for

Life, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and a host Southside Baptist Church programs.

In a recommendation letter by District Attorney Walt Merrell, he said Bryan “possesses a burning desire to leave this world a much better place than she found it. As a consequence of that quest, she also leaves others’ lives in much better shape after she has been a part of them.

“In every field, including that of teaching, it is a sad truth that there are people who are only present to receive their compensation,” he said. “Amy is of a different breed – her most prized compensation comes in the form of a successful student, a lifelong learner, a productive, spirited young citizen.”

AMS Principal Victoria Anderson credits Bryan with starting the school’s math team and describes her as “professional, dependable and motivated.”

“(Bryan) truly shows a love for our students and a heart for what she teaches,” Anderson said in her recommendation. “Many of (her) students say that they now have a new love of math and a better understanding of its concepts.”

Fellow teacher Candy Parker said that Bryan was an excellent candidate for teacher of the year because of her concern for the students, the school and other teachers.

“(Bryan) is always quick to volunteer when the opportunity arises, staying after school to work with concessions at basketball and football games and working with the
cheerleaders,” Parker said. “Her desire to help students and build a better school are evident by her dedication to both.”

Bryan will be honored on Thu., Jan. 23, at the ACC’s annual banquet.