After 31 years of math teacher Amy Spunaugle teaching, she has decided to turn in her calculator for more time with her family.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching. Experiencing life with all of the students I have had for the past 31 years has been nothing short of remarkable to witness their growth and future endeavors,” Spunaugle said.
Throughout the years, Spunaugle has had fellow students become her coworkers. Mrs. Spunaugle was an inspiration to her students.
“When I was in high school, Amy’s style of teaching made me want to become an educator. She has a way of relating a very tough subject into easy identifiable parts that makes learning easy and fun,” math teacher and WHS 2012 graduate Gage Boise said.
Even more interesting, Spunaugle’s desire to become a teacher was also sparked by a teacher she had.
“One day, Mr. Berlin had an emergency that he had to leave the classroom. He threw me a piece of chalk and told me to teach. I was kind of taken back, but I thought…I will give it a try. The other students in the class were responding and we had a lot of fun doing the lesson that day,” she said.
Spunaugle has admitted to learning a lot throughout her long teaching career.
“I have learned that parents send their best. They do not keep their good kids at home and send you the rough ones. Set rules, boundaries, and guidelines and stick to them. Students will rise to your expectations, most of the time,” Spunaugle said.
Along with that, she has expressed what her “why” is to teaching students throughout the years.
“My ‘why’ is for the light bulb moments. When students are really struggling and they do not give up on themselves. The minute it finally clicks is amazing. It is like they overcame something they thought they never could do,” Spunaugle said.
Students have found Spunaugle’s way of teaching math to be beneficial and easy to understand.
“I love her method of teaching, it’s much easier to understand and she doesn’t overcomplicate things,” sophomore Maya Daughbaugh said.
Many students agree with one another’s view of Spunaugle’s forms of teaching.
“Since I’ve had Mrs. Spunaugle for four different math classes, she’s always made math way less stressful because of the way she acts towards all of the classes equally,” senior Logan Gemes said.
Additionally, Mrs. Spunaugle has been explained as “more than just a teacher.”
“I would say her patience is the most special. She is always in a great mood and is constantly creating lasting relationships that begin in high school that carry on well through adult lives,” Boise said.
Mrs. Spunaugle has been known as more of a trusted adult, mentor, and caring individual to her students.
“Mrs. Spunaugle has impacted me by being a positive impact in my life, and she is definitely very motivating to me to always pursue my dreams. She has a beautiful outlook on life and has a heart of gold, and is by far one of the most caring, loving people I have ever met and had the honor of knowing in my life,” Daughenabugh said.
Mrs. Spunaugle, herself, has much advice to say to current and future teachers.
“My advice to teachers is to always be over prepared. There is not a more miserable time for a first year teacher to run out of things for students to be working on in the classroom. Also, as a teacher, you are always someone’s favorite teacher, no matter who you are. The students may not always display this to you, but you might find out later in years the huge impact you had on a particular student,” Spunaugle said.
With Mrs. Spunaugle retiring from her advanced math classes, the position is brought into one of her coworkers hands.
“Although I’m sad to see her go, I’m also looking forward to the exciting challenge of teaching upper-level math courses. Stepping into these new classes will push me to grow as an educator, and I’m eager to take on that responsibility. I’m also excited to sponsor the math club and continue fostering a space where students can engage with and enjoy math beyond the classroom,” math teacher Amelia Smith said.
Overall, Mrs. Spunaugle will be deeply missed by all; WHS faculty, staff, students, and community.
“What I’m going to miss the most about Mrs. Spunaugle is the relationship that she forms with her students. She’s very understanding in all aspects of life, and all around a great person,” junior Brennen Slavens said.
Additionally, her coworkers feel the same about Spunaugle retiring.
“Mrs. Spunaugle leaves behind a legacy of kindness, encouragement, and excellence. I wish her nothing but the best as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement and embarks on new adventures,” Smith said.
