Amanda Lauritsen is an elementary general music teacher in the Waukee Community School District, founder of the Amanda Lauritsen Music Academy, and children’s choir & alternative worship director at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
Teacher Feature: Amanda Lauritsen
- Posted 8/1/20
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Get to know our authors. In our “Teacher Feature,” you will not only learn about our contributors’ professional endeavors but also get to know them as humans too. Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States.
Amanda Lauritsen is an elementary general music teacher in the Waukee Community School District, founder of the Amanda Lauritsen Music Academy, and children’s choir & alternative worship director at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
She has a passion for bringing light to the joy and gifts of teaching. Amanda believes that every human has the capacity to learn and do amazing things, with a little inspiration and hard work.
She believes music teachers have a unique opportunity to touch students’ lives through the transcendent qualities of music and the ways it encourages people to be open, honest, and live in harmony. Amanda strives to provide a caring and stimulating environment for her students to grow and thrive.
Some other interesting facts we learned about Amanda…
How did you end up becoming a music teacher?
I went to school at Drake University with the dream of being an opera singer. I enjoyed opera and I also got a music education degree as well. It wasn’t until student teaching with Erica Seeley that I knew I was destined to be a music teacher. I love the creativity, connection, and pure joy that working with younger students brings. My students bring out the very best in me- the playful, wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve kind of love. They light me up and make me excited for the future!
Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?
My mom, my constant encourager and a wonderful piano teacher, and my dad, our never-ending music supporter. Both encouraged me to pursue music and music education.
My very first piano teacher, Diane Wills, who taught me the basics of music and made music so much fun!
My middle school choir director, Joe Tangen, who helped me realize my musical potential in middle school and believed in me from the beginning.
My choir director in college, Aimee Beckmann-Collier, who taught me the value of hard work and inspiring community.
My voice teacher in college, Leanne Freeman-Miller who showered me with positivity and gave me my foundation in vocal technique.
My mentor teacher, friend, and now colleague, Erica Seeley who helped me believe in myself and my teaching, and who continues to inspire me to this day.
What inspired you to share your experiences with other teachers?
Well, the article in this edition of Music ConstructEd actually started out as an email to my colleagues. I wanted to write what was on my heart about our current situation and to let them know how thankful I am for them. And how we are going to not just survive but can find ways to thrive this year. Then when I saw the opportunity to write for Music ConstructEd, I thought perhaps other teachers might find my letter uplifting and inspiring as well.
What is your favorite music teaching moment?
One of my favorite music teaching moments was the first day of school this year. I am always so grateful to see my students again and they are always grateful to be back at school especially with their friends. However, this year just feels different. In so many ways, but also in the way that my first music classes were filled with movement, joy at being together again, and connection. It was everything I had been missing and looking forward to in our time apart.
What has been the biggest surprise/revelation about being a music teacher?
In order to really reach kids I need to first connect with them emotionally. My very favorite habit that we do every day in music class is our “Grateful Show”, where we share what we’re grateful for that day. This habit has totally changed our mindsets and helped us to see the gifts in everything. My favorite song that I use to introduce our Grateful Show is the song Grateful by Empty Hands Music.
How do you deal with stress?
One empowering habit is to get up early in the mornings to meditate, do my yoga flow, and journal.
Fun Facts About You?
What is your favorite food?
Pizza
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
Louis and Sweet Pea are my family’s cats. Louis has the loudest and funniest meow of any cat I have ever met. And Sweet Pea is very sweet, which fittingly matches her name.
Sophie is my sister’s cat, whom I have adopted as her aunt. She is such a playful and fun cat!
What is your favorite style of music to listen to?
I like lots of styles of music! I usually actually gravitate towards pop music when I’m simply listening for fun. Anything upbeat and catchy!
What is your favorite school appropriate beverage – are you a cola or coffee drinker?
Coffee!
What is your favorite book?
Ooh, that’s a hard one… Right now I’m reading Dare To Lead by Brené Brown. She is amazing and her work is so inspiring.
If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?
Wonder Woman! Sometimes I channel her when I need a little extra pep for the day! She is both kind and strong.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Amanda as much as we have. Make sure to check out her article We Are Resilient.