Profile: Amanda Mayhew

Amanda Mayhew is a social science education major and has lived in Emporia for her whole life. She has one older sister and is the only teacher in her whole family.

Mayhew has remained very involved with her work and studies, working in the social sciences department throughout her education. Mayhew graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor's in Secondary Education degree in December of 2007.

She also worked in an optometrist's office during her education. Despite remaining constantly busy, she changed her academic focus as she progressed.

“I got here, and I changed my major about five times before I decided to go into education,” Mayhew said. Even after choosing a major, though, she was initially unsure of which age group of students suited her.

“I started substitute teaching, and was originally going to work with younger kids,” Mayhew said.

After working with elementary age students, Mayhew decided that she preferred working with older students.

“History was my favorite subject, and I just had a love of it,” Mayhew said. She did her phase one teaching at Emporia Middle school, teaching eighth graders and has since worked substitute teaching in Americus for middle school children.

Mayhew has remained a prominent figure in the social sciences department at ESU among both students and professors.

“She has enthusiasm, creativity, and outstanding work ethic,” said Darla Mallein, assistant professor in social sciences education. “She goes above and beyond.”

Mallein also pointed out Mayhew's appreciation for her support. “She always said thank you,” Mallein said. “She's very appreciative of what people do for her.”

Mayhew's co-workers in the social sciences department also feel that she is an asset to the department.

“She's obviously very dedicated to what she does,” said Rachel Reeves, senior political sciences major. “She still checks in, and is still very much a part of this university.”

Mayhew also has a great respect for the department. “The connections I made have been very beneficial,” Mayhew said. “I got to meet a lot of very different people, and it was a great experience.”

Mayhew has been nominated for the Rotary Outstanding Senior in Education award, and has worked with Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Gamma Mu and Teachers of Tomorrow.

She recently accepted a job offer in Augusta teaching sixth grade social sciences. “I went for an interview, and I was only about halfway home when they called and offered me the job,” Mayhew said. “Obviously, the interview went really well.”

Until Mayhew begins her position in Augusta in the fall, she will take over as a long-term substitute. She will work six weeks at Northern Heights High School teaching history and government.

Mayhew said that although she has graduated, she stays very busy. The preparation process for teaching filled her schedule while in school, and she says that it has been quite an adjustment to graduate and have her substitute teaching schedule intermittent.

“I still get excited when I get that call asking if I can come in that day,” Mayhew said. “It's great to do what I enjoy. There are some days when I'm sitting in the house, and I'm twiddling my thumbs and just looking for something to get out and do.”

Mayhew enjoys traveling when she has the opportunity. “I'm one of those geeky history people,” Mayhew said. “I love going to historical places. Anywhere where I can find something for the classroom, really.” Mayhew’s areas of interest are Missouri and Colorado because they are easy to visit and have enjoyable scenery.

Mayhew also said that she does not know where she wants to live permanently, but because she prefers living close to a larger city, Augusta, a suburb of Wichita, seems to be a good fit.