Special Education teacher Amanda Black of Pascagoula has been teaching within the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for 13 years.
She taught for seven years at Jackson Elementary, one year at Central Elementary, one year at Trent Lott Academy, and three years at Gautier Elementary. Currently, she teaches Special Education K, 3rd and 4th grades at Cherokee Elementary. While those are the subjects she’s teaching now, she’s licensed to teach elementary education for grades K-6 and she holds endorsements in Reading, Social Studies, and Special Education for grades K-12.
She graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and is working towards earning her Master’s degree
Black wanted to become an educator because she believes in the power of education to change lives.
“I’ve always loved helping others understand new ideas, watching that spark of discovery in their eyes. Teaching gives me the chance to not only share knowledge but also to build confidence, inspire dreams, and make a lasting impact.”
She finds that even though teaching can sometimes be hard, it does have a payoff.
“There’s no sugar-coating it. It can drain you emotionally and mentally, but it’s also one of the few jobs where you can see your impact in front you. You help someone grow and open doors for them they didn’t even know existed.”
And it’s not just the students who reap the benefits.
“You never really stop learning yourself. Every student, every class, every year teaches you something new too. It’s a career where you constantly evolve,” Black said.
She finds teaching to be all about balance – different learning styles and abilities, kids’ emotions, struggles, and sometimes rough home lives, administrative expectations, testing, endless paperwork, plus your own energy, creativity, and mental health.
“It’s like being a coach, counselor, entertainer, and organizer all rolled into one, every single day, and sometimes you give a lesson with your whole heart and it still doesn’t land the way you hoped.”
One of her best teaching moments happened when a student who had struggled all year with confidence in reading finally had a breakthrough.
“We had been working together for months and one afternoon during a small group lesson, everything just clicked for her. She solved a challenging problem on her own, and when she looked up and saw my smile, her whole face lit up.”
Black finds inspiration in the saying, “Be the teacher you needed when you were younger.” It reminds her every day to be patient, encouraging, and to make a positive difference in her students’ lives.”
She considers her sister her mentor because of her sister’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education. She pours her heart into making learning exciting and accessible for her students, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking every day.
“Watching the way she connects with her students, constantly seeks new ways to improve, and handles challenges with patience and grace has taught me so much about perseverance and leadership. Her work ethic, creativity, and genuine love for teaching motivate me to strive for excellence in my own career. She leads by example and I am proud to learn from someone who makes such a powerful difference in the lives of others.”
Black comes from a family of educators. Besides her sister, who teaches 5th grade Science at Singing River Academy, her brother is a PE teacher at Jackson Elementary, and her mother was a Pre-K teacher at First Baptist Church in Gautier.
When she first started teaching she knew it was more than just a job, it was a calling. In 2022, she received the Teacher of the Year award at Jackson Elementary School, which was humbling because it reflected not just her efforts, but the amazing support system she had around her.
When not working, she enjoys taking time to relax and recharge. She also spends her time tutoring students from Monday through Thursday afternoons. She lives in Pascagoula and has a son, Luke, who will graduate from USM next year with a degree in business.
