During her first teaching assignment Amanda Kreiger realized that a career in education was the right path for her.
“I enjoyed interacting with students and hearing their thoughts and ideas. I watched students have that “ah ha” moment during class discussions, and I was hooked,” she said.
Kreiger joined the Poudre School District team in July as the new director of the Curriculum and Instruction Department. In her role, she hopes to blend her love of learning into her work and foster an environment where all perspectives are welcome.
“I had an English teacher who taught me to question everything. My goal is to bring that same inquisitive spirit to my work,” she said. “I want to make sure every voice in the room is heard and valued…I strive to build leadership capacity in those with whom I work, so that everyone can find their own voice, which they can then use to positively influence others.”
Before coming to PSD, Kreiger had served as the coordinator for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs for Weld County School District 6 in Greeley since 2012. Prior to that, she was an instructional facilitator in Sweetwater County School District 1 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Dr. Dwayne Schmitz, PSD chief institutional effectiveness officer, said Kreiger brings a wealth of knowledge to the district.
“In her positions, she has consistently focused on enhancing educational outcomes through innovative curriculum design and effective instructional strategies. Her expertise includes leading district-wide curriculum adoption processes, especially for sixth through 12th grade language arts and Advanced Placement courses,” he said.
Looking ahead to the new school year, Kreiger is eager to support teachers as they engage students with critical thinking and problem-solving learning opportunities.
“When we talk to students about their college and career plans, too often we ask the question, “What do you want to do?” Instead, we should be asking, “What world problems do you want to solve,” she said. “I am excited to work on a team that helps shape future generations and prepares them to be global citizens.”
Kreiger earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University, a master’s in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University, followed by a master’s in education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is currently working toward her doctorate degree in education.
Outside of work, Kreiger enjoys reading, paddleboarding and spending time with her two daughters and one-year-old grandbaby.
And unlike her “precisely organized” work life, Kreiger takes a different approach with her time off. “I like to keep my days fluid enough that I don’t usually know what time it is, or even what day it is,” she said.