An elementary school teacher in the Quaker Valley School District was among three finalists for the 2020 Champions of Learning Awards.

Amanda Madden, 32, of Ross was named among three other educators in the K-6 Educators award category. The award went to Jerone Morris of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Madden has taught as a special-education teacher at the district for eight years. She has been with the district since graduating from California University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with dual certifications in education and special education. She now holds a position as a life skills teacher for students in kindergarten through sixth grade at Edgeworth Elementary School.

Her passion for teaching and education began when she worked for a quadriplegic woman through college. She also has special needs in her family, she said.

“It’s just always been my passion,” Madden said of helping people with special needs. “So when I went into college, I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living.”

The Champion of Learning Awards are sponsored by the Consortium for Public Education and United Way’s “Be There” campaign. Finalists are recognized for the contributions they made professionally to support outstanding learning experiences for youth in the region.

Carol Sprinker, principal at Edgeworth Elementary, said it is an honor to recognize Madden’s dedication to education.

“Amanda finds the best in every student and celebrates children as they grown and learn,” Sprinker said in a statement. “Amanda chooses to model kindness and empathy in her classroom and is a servant leader among faculty and staff. We are so fortunate to have her at Edgeworth Elementary School.”

Madden said she is honored to have even been nominated.

“The fact that I was one of three finalists was more than an honor,” she said.

Madden said she loves working in the Quaker Valley School District because of the community and the collaborative work environment.

“And I have a passion for special education,” she said. “The kids that I work with everyday, it’s an absolute joy.”

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