Dr. Amara Alexander is the K-5 Science Administrator with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative at the Alabama Department of Education. When she received the announcement, Amara was a sixth-grade science teacher at Horizon Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, who presented students with a smorgasbord of cross-curricular learning opportunities. During a unit on weather disasters, students read Ninth Ward, a young adult novel about Hurricane Katrina. Alexander's students at the K-6 school build rollercoasters, putting their knowledge of physics to use as they collaborate to determine the optimal slopes of the tracks at different intervals. In Amara's class, Earth Day is always celebrated, and students learn about science through activities such as dancing, singing, writing songs, researching, designing, building, and teaching their peers.
Alexander, whose students post some of the district's highest scores on assessments, often allows students to take the lead in teaching while she facilitates the discussion. She builds organizational skills into her class procedures, coaching students on note-taking. By using daily targets, guiding questions, and an inquiry-based approach, Alexander keeps students engaged in the process and promotes essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. For English Language Learners (ELLs), Alexander deftly differentiates the curriculum, providing appropriately leveled materials and grouping students to support their participation in discussions and experiments. Her classroom offers a nurturing, well-managed, and structured environment. Students and parents alike respect Alexander's commitment to excellence and ability to generate excitement among her future scientists and engineers.
Alexander built positive relationships with all stakeholders, inviting families, colleagues, and administrators to participate in classroom activities with her students. She was active in Project Lead the Way, led Horizon's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) efforts, and directs the school's extended-day program. Alexander presented at the Gulf Coast Writing Conference and Madison City Professional Development Day, attended the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy, and served on Horizon's Leader in Me Lighthouse team and Technology Committee. In 2019, Alexander was selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow serving at the Library of Congress. Beyond her professional achievements, she finds joy in reading, traveling, attending live music events, and indulging her creative side by constructing intricate Lego sets.
Alexander is a graduate of Alabama A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor and a Master of Science in elementary education in 2007 and 2010, respectively. In 2021, Amara received an Educational Specialist degree in Education Leadership from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and a doctoral degree in STEM Education from the University of South Carolina in 2024.
"When I think of teachers who have impacted my educational..." (read more)
2010 M.S., Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
2007 B.S., Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
