Amanda Minx will take over next school year as principal of Irving Elementary School, the school where her teaching career got its start. [Submitted photo]

***This article is the second part in a series about Irving’s principal transition and was written by Chase Palm, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

It wasn’t that long ago that Amanda Minx reported to Irving School everyday as a teacher. In just a few short months, she’ll return to that same school where her career in education began. Only this time, she’ll be stepping into the role of principal.

Minx is originally from Kewanee and attended Kewanee High School. There, she played volleyball and basketball with her fellow Boiler girls and took on leadership roles in both the Key Club and student council before graduating in 2005.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University, Minx returned to the Kewanee School District. Irving’s soon-to-be head has taught both of the grades she will support this fall and has an evident passion for teaching second and third grade students.

During the 15 years she worked for the school district, Minx earned a master’s degree in education leadership from Aurora University and transitioned from teaching her own classroom to coaching beginning and veteran teachers as one of the district’s instructional coaches.

“I knew that this was always my plan when I went back to school. I knew that I wanted to do this. I always wanted to be an instructional leader of a building,” she said.

Minx credits the Kewanee School District with giving her preparation for her new job assignment and for helping confirm her love for elementary students.

“I’ve had a lot of experience being able to come in and work underneath a lot of administrators in the district, and I truly like working with the elementary students,” Minx said.

Of all the places she could start her administrative journey, Minx is thrilled to come full circle to lead Irving Elementary.

“I know Irving is a great fit because it’s where I started. I have a lot of working relationships with the faculty and staff there, and second and third grade students are one that I know well because I taught in that building for ten years,” she said.

Minx feels her experience as an instructional coach and a teacher will translate well to being principal.

“I really think that moving into an instructional coach position was a nice bridge from teacher to administrator. We coaches are able to work with teachers in a different capacity on their instructional needs, so I not only was able to see as a teacher the perspective and lens that a teacher has, but I’m also able to go in and look at some of the bigger picture of curriculum, instruction, things that teachers need, and what students need to perform at their best,” Minx said.

Whether you’re a coach or an administrator, Minx said that ensuring teachers are able to have the resources they need to become their very best is important. And being able to interact daily with second and third graders is also a plus.

“They’re still at that age where learning is fun for them. That first time that they can read a chapter book or they can remember a sight word, they’re just so proud of themselves. The best part is seeing them grow,” Minx said.

Minx said that students need teachers, their support and the knowledge that their teachers are there for them each and every day to help shape their future.

“Knowing that you’re needed and that the students value what you can do for them, circling back to this job is important and these students need us,” Minx said.

Amanda Minx, left, and Irving Principal Dr. Tamara Brown stand in front of the doors of Irving School. Long-time principal Brown will retire at the end of this school year and pass the torch to Minx. [Photo by Chase Palm]

This August, Minx intends to focus on establishing a welcoming environment at Irving, both for students and staff.

“I think my biggest goal is to be able to continue to be an instructional leader. I want to be able to be that resource for the facility and staff,” said Minx.

Minx wants next year to be a “growing year.” She wants to learn from the teachers and staff to see what ways she can best support them during the school year.

“A good principal is almost like a coach for the whole school. They make everyone in the building feel they are important and they’re respected and included.”

Minx said her job is to be there and help make school a friendly place where everyone wants to be.

“That is very important to me,” said Minx. “In my eyes a good principal makes the school fun and supports everyone to achieve their goals.”