Amanda Levin is a force for good in the secondary education world — to my mind, always in the running for recognition as the San Francisco Bay Area's very best high school teacher, but one with a deep and enduring tough-love attitude, inventive and insistent, in getting her charges to be the best she can make them. She's taught abroad (Hong Kong), she's taught where students were anything but privileged, she's taught in big high schools and smaller ones. What makes Amanda special, however, is that she's focused on the whole person. It's not just "accomplishments" or best schools that she aims her students toward, it's being better, more decisive people, and unlike many teachers, she actually knows how to make that happen, paying attention to what a young and uncertain and even timorous (or cocky) teen can become. She's the teacher you'd want to have.

I was a student of Amanda Levin’s over 10 years ago and while I was only a student of Ms. Levin’s for two years, she has been an inspiration to me ever since. I wanted to be the change I saw in Ms. Levin’s classroom and teach history and government. I have Ms. Levin to thank for my drive, passion, and success working with young people. Academically, Ms. Levin expected so much of you but at the same time gave you the tools and support to succeed.  She challenged your ideas, norms, beliefs, and biases - and forced you to think outside your comfort zone while experiencing other cultures and belief systems.  She welcomed all opinions and forced you to defend your positions with research and facts. Her depth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects is astounding and her dedication to teaching is unmatched.  Her variety of teaching methods along with her intensity for knowledge were both huge inspirations for me personally.  I would encourage anyone interested to partner with Ms. Levin in either academics and/or social issues.

As a high school Resource Specialist, I had the unique opportunity to visit many different general education classrooms during the school day in order to support my students. I was continually impressed by Amanda's ability to present students with rigorous, relevant and engaging material and to set high behavioral expectations. She was also able to engage students with rigorous lessons that were relevant to their personal lives and what they needed to know as adults. Ms. Levin's lectures allowed for student-centered discussion. Ms. Levin encouraged students to make connections--connections to their lives, connections to what they were learning in their English class, and connections to the world they live in. Unlike some other teachers, Ms. Levin consistently treated me like an equal in the classroom rather than a glorified tutor or a burden. She asked for my feedback before, after and during class. Most importantly, I felt engaged as a learner. Even though I studied history and political science in college, the topics she addresses with students are high level and I frequently found myself learning something new. I strongly recommend Ms. Levin and believe that she will be an outstanding addition to any organization.

I think the greatest compliment for an educator is to not only see one's students achieve great academic results, but to see that the students have been positively inspired by the experience as well. I've had the pleasure of working with Amanda and have always been impressed (and envious) of the many accolades her students and parents heap upon her. I can certainly attest to the fact that her success is well deserved due to the meticulousness, time, effort, and most importantly heart she puts into both the planning and delivery of any lesson or consultation that she gives. Her success is all the more impressive because it has translated to students from all backgrounds and walks of life. I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding educators and Amanda is one who has earned my greatest respect.