Amber Henry is a Spanish Immersion teacher at Riverside Elementary. Amber is a former RPS student who attended Gage Elementary, Washington Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and John Marshall High School.
Why did you choose to work at RPS after attending RPS?
I never really wanted to teach anywhere else! I love Rochester, and am a proud product of RPS, and hope my students feel the same way. I know the lasting impact of a good teacher, and want to have the same legacy.
What's your favorite part about your RPS job?
I love teaching through families. It’s very common in Spanish immersion to have taught all the siblings in one family. The deeper connections and relationships, not just with my current student but the entire family, that come from that are my favorite.
What is one thing that is noticeably different about RPS today than when you attended as a student?
We have an immersion program! I expressed interest in Spanish from a young age, but never learned through immersion. It’s magical to watch my second graders start the school year already fluent.
What aspect of RPS are you happy to see hasn't changed since you were a student?
A small piece of my legacy is the current mascot of Washington. I was in 3rd grade when Washington became a choice school and “rebranded.” My submission of the dolphins won the school wide vote.
Who was an RPS teacher that had a positive impact on you and why?
Mrs. Johnson, 4th grade at Washington. She taught me how to love reading, and I’ve never looked back!
Mr. Rietveld, science at JM. He taught me to be a better human and really influenced how I connect with students as a teacher.
Ms. Felsch (now Lyke) and Ms. Neiland, speech team coaches at JM. These two empowered me and showed me how to find my voice!
Mrs. Eldredge, government at JM. She has always encouraged me to pursue my passions. She also has remained connected with me as I host students from CAP and Intro to Teaching in my classroom.
Also Mrs. Stockwell, principal at Gage and Washington, and Mrs. Ilstrup, principal at JM. Both set the bar high and I’ve never met principals quite like them.
What about your RPS education would you attribute to getting you where you are currently?
(See all the teachers I’ve listed - they’re the reason!) I have grit, perseverance, and pride in who I am and where I came from.