All About Me

My name is Amanda Zika and I teach first grade at Willard Elementary School. I love teaching first grade because it is a great age for teaching the importance of good character. With all the changes in education it has been invigorating learning new ways to enrich and engage students.  I chose education as my career because I love having the ability to positively impact society.

I grew up in Glenview, IL and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. I continued my education at Illinois State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and my minor in Psychology in 2007. My first job in education was as a teacher's aide working with students with special education needs which was a great foundation to my new career in education.  I decided to get my ELL endorsement from National Louis University. My next position brought me to Beach Park School in a 5th grade classroom followed by two long term substitute positions in Pre-K and then a full-day Kindergarten. After my experience working with such a diverse population I decided to get my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at National Louis University. In 2010, I was hired at Willard Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher and have been teaching there ever since!

On a personal note, I am a new mom! I had a little girl named Madeline Dior on March 16th. My husband Garrett and I are loving our new adventure as parents. When I am not spending time with my growing family, I enjoy time with my friends. I love going to concerts, eating and cooking delicious food and experiencing new things. I find it extremely important to have balance in my life and I am striving to be the best me!