Amanda Fanelli on Fostering Critical Thinking

Spotlight 4 Success

Uncover the transformative journey of Amanda Fanelli, a remarkable social studies teacher whose passion and dedication are changing the educational landscape at Sol C. Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia. Discover what keeps Amanda anchored to the classroom despite numerous opportunities to step away. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares her insights into fostering independent thought and challenging students to question the status quo. Highlighting her experience as a Fulbright Scholar, Amanda recounts her enriching voyage to Ghana—a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective on global education. Recognized as the Gilder Lehrman Georgia History Teacher of the Year, Amanda’s story is a testament to the impact of nurturing critical thinkers and problem solvers in a diverse, Title I school environment.
Explore how Amanda empowers students to be agents of change by teaching them to address community issues with the skills they learn in her classroom. This isn’t just about education; it’s about transformation and making a real difference. Amanda defies the traditional essentialism in education, advocating for a more dynamic approach where students are inspired to become changemakers. Concluding on a hopeful note, Amanda extends her gratitude and receives
well-wishes for ongoing success, particularly at the Georgia Council for Social Studies conference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges conventional education paradigms and celebrates the power of teaching to transform lives.

Fejezetek

1. Education Advocacy and Success Stories (00:00:00)

2. Empowering Students for Social Change (00:10:20)