Virginia Amundson

Teaching Children, Not Science

Both professionally and personally, Middle School Science instructor Viriginia Amundson knows that experiments don't always go as planned. The northern Wisconsin native decided against a career in research because she assumed she'd be more able to live in the country as a teacher. So she finished her bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and accepted her first teaching assignment ... in Chicago.

"I came to an appreciation of the city," she says with characteristic good nature, "but I do love living in the country." Home, which she shares with husband Steve, daughter Amy and four stepchildren, is 47 miles away in Chisago City, in a setting not unlike where she grew up.

"My family owned an American Plan resort in St. Germain, Wisconsin," she says, "and we were like pioneer people. It was so wild — we saw bears out the school bus window and learned to ride deer like a horse!" Virginia says that her love of learning in nature began during her weekly day off from waiting tables for resort guests in the summer. "I'd spend the whole day out in the woods with my dog," she remembers, "following swamps and watching animals."

Fueling her walks in the woods — and everything else she does — is an energy level that's almost contagious. "My love for kids is the whole purpose of doing what I do," Virginia says. "If I'm having a bad day, all I have to do is walk into class. I see such beauty in each child, and my whole philosophy is that I teach children, not science."

Virginia's colleagues also appreciate her creativity with curriculum. "I've watched her design a curriculum that's real science in such an authentic way," says Science department head Lois Fruen. "We are so lucky to have her in the department." Adds Sarah Flotten, "Virginia is always willing to be innovative about an interdisciplinary curriculum. Some of the things she had the kids doing for the Colonial Fair, like the water wheel, were absolutely amazing."

Observes Kathy Quick, Lower School language arts specialist, "Virginia's passion comes through every pore of her being. She has boundless energy and such a creative approach. And she truly loves Middle School students. I think she's a marvelous teacher for Middle School kids!"

Professionally, Virginia is increasingly involved with the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, where, among other things, she helps teach teaching strategies to other educators. "I think I love science because there are so many opportunities to keep learning," she says.

Away from school, Virginia loves reading, dancing and cooking. She credits much of her strength to her family and her faith, which also helps her endure the long commute to Breck. "I sing along to the radio and listen to inspirational tapes," she laughs. "When the weather's bad and I have to be out by 5 or 5:30 in the morning, I need all the help I can get!"