LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Amanda Cellai

Position: Learning Strategist
School: Johnson Junior High School
School District: Clark County School District
City, State: Summerlin, NV

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Music that Describes Amanda

Amanda Cellai was nominated by a colleague, Leticia Marrujo.

"Amanda takes the time to look at each student individually to meet their needs," said Marrujo. "Amanda is extremely busy supporting teachers and administration, implementing and reviewing our progress monitoring MTSS/RTI processes. Yet, she still takes the time to look at each student and consider their background and historical educational experiences to develop the best support for students."

"Recently, Amanda was preparing to administer the annual WIDA test to English Learners," said Marrujo. "The WIDA is Nevada's annual assessment administered to English Language Learners annually until they demonstrate a level of English proficiency. Amanda noticed that a particular student demonstrated a higher level of English communication and comprehension. Amanda suspected the student may have been inappropriately identified as an English Learner. Her suspicions were correct. The student came from another country with a much higher level of educational experience in math and science and had already received a minimum of seven years of school instruction in English. Amanda took the time to consult with the appropriate department leads to correct this misidentification and get the student appropriately placed so expectations wouldn't be lower for this student."

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Comments (4)

Julie Gushlaw Posted over a year ago

Amanda and I worked together as learning strategists last year. Amanda was and is the data queen! She analyzes historic grades, attendance, state and district-wide testing, as well as teacher input when assessing supports for a student. She does all of this on top of mentoring and coaching teachers! Amanda is an integral part and chair of the MTSS/RTI process at Johnson JHS. The school is lucky to have such a dedicated teacher leader.

Eva Troche’ Posted over a year ago

I have personally known Amanda since we were in fifth grade. She is patient and approachable. She is enthusiastic as well as being a strong communicator. she is a true professional when it comes to teaching.

Terry Caviolo Posted over a year ago

That's my daughter, worries about others and is a good and helpful person.

Christiane Schau Posted over a year ago

Amanda and I worked together in a high needs school. Many of our students and their families do not have some of the basic needs to support themselves. Whenever I needed assistance putting together a clothes drive or a food drive, she willingly opened her heart, closet, and pantry; one day she even took the sweater off of her back and handed it to one of our students who was cold! Amanda's spirit of generosity and kindness is unparalleled not only in the sharing of things, but also in the sharing of her knowledge and professionalism. With Amanda by their sides, our teachers grew in their knowledge and applications of technological tools to enhance their teaching, differentiation and grouping of students to provide for their achievement and success, assessments, and data retrieval and use. Amanda made a significant impact on our school as a whole and on the lives of our school community!