Amanda Aldridge – 5th Grade Class Teacher 2026-27

Amanda Aldridge is a passionate educator and lifelong learner. She inspires her students to find wonder in nature and observe patterns in the world around them. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she researched various forms of education, including Waldorf. She fosters curiosity in her middle school students by creating spaces that help develop critical thinking skills, social-emotional growth, and cultural awareness. Amanda weaves primary source analysis into activities that allow students to build their understanding through discussion, creative expression, and student choice.

After teaching middle school in the public education system, Amanda is excited to join an institution aligned with her goals as an educator. She is eager to begin her Waldorf teacher training locally, knowing this will serve to deepen her pedagogical approach as a purposeful educator. Teaching at BVWS allows Amanda to integrate all aspects of her life, embodying a teaching style that honors children, childhood, and their connection to nature.

EDUCATION 

• Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
• Teacher Certification in Social Studies Track, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
• Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
• Agroecology Certification, Drylands Agroecology Research, Boulder, CO
• Permaculture Design Certification, Boulder Permaculture, Boulder, CO
• 2023 Fulbright Grant Writing Workshop

EXPERIENCE

• Social Studies Teacher, 6th and 8th Grade, Western Hemisphere and American History, Hulston K-8 Northglen, CO
• Student Teacher / Long-Term Substitute, 7th Grade World History, Thunder Vista P8 Broomfield, CO
• Substitute teacher at Mackintosh Academy, Boulder, CO

Amanda’s interest in environmental research led her to study biology at Framingham State University, followed by a degree in anthropology from Bridgewater State University. She has conducted several directed studies and received IRB approval for her research. Her focus areas included ritual, symbolism, enculturation, altruism, and the physiological effects of various frequencies on humans. Amanda participated in the WWOOF program on farms. This exposure to various agricultural practices deepened her admiration for permaculture. Consequently, she settled in Vermont, working on production farms, providing animal care as a “farm sitter,” nannying, and collaborating with local organic farmers to sell goods at a corner market. Her interest in biodynamics was sparked by earning her Permaculture Design Certification from Boulder Permaculture. This foundational knowledge will be incorporated into her classroom as her students begin studying botany early in 5th grade this coming year!

After arriving in Boulder, her passion for education led her to substitute teach at Mackintosh Academy. There, she designed an after-school program titled “Mackwarts,” where students explored myth and magic through poetry, drawing, and painting. During this time, she also began taking classes at the University of Colorado Boulder, including the course Environmental Education, which emphasizes making connections among head, heart, and hands. These experiences motivated her to earn her master’s degree and teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade social studies.

Today, Amanda lives in Louisville with her daughter, their dog, and cat. She enjoys hiking, dancing to bluegrass music, and learning about local flora and fauna. Writing is one of her favorite hobbies. She started journaling and writing poetry at a young age and loves seeing young writers fall in love with literary creation.

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