Alongside the 21 new teachers in the 2024-2025 school year, Amanda Harra quickly settled in teaching the student naturalist class and began making connections with students.
“Mrs. Harra has impacted my life by always making me feel welcome in her classroom. She is always asking students how their day is going and makes learning fun,” senior Ashley Barcus said.
Hara’s path led her to study at KU and get an education revolving around teaching and the environment.
“I graduated from Olathe North in 2015 and then went to KU to study Ecology,” Harra said. “I graduated in 2019 and then started my masters program; earning my masters degree in Education.”
Not many people know what they want to do when they grow up, but that was not the case for Harra. She was immersed in her area of interest from the time she was a kid, building a lifelong love for animals.
“From a young age, I was involved in lots of activities surrounding animals. I showed livestock in 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands and Health) and gave presentations about conservation and the importance of the environment,” Harra said.
Harra hasn’t always worked with animals. She also has a background in teaching early childhood.
“My first experiences with teaching were in an early childhood setting. I learned a lot about classroom management, time management, patience and communication,” Harra said.
The future for Harra looks similar to the now. Continuing her educational career and uplifting students along the way.
“I want to keep expanding the student naturalist program; getting more animals and finding more opportunities for my students,” Harra said.
Students look up to Harra and admire her teaching. She encourages them to be the best version of themselves no matter the circumstances.
“She’s always nice and just every time I walk into her class, [she] always makes me just wanna be a better student,” junior Malachi Buckner said.
