Amanda Zarate, a two-time alumna and current doctoral student at Columbus State University, has been named the 2025 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. Zarate is recognized for her commitment to supporting students who are at risk of being overlooked, drawing from her own background as a member of a marginalized group.
She is the first in her family to graduate from high school, join the Army, attend college, and become a teacher. Zarate says that making her family proud—especially her sixth-grade son Liam—is what motivates her. “She’s doing great things and she’s making me think I can do great things—like go to college and get all the degrees,” said Liam.
“Even though sometimes it’s not pretty, my son gets to see me do this,” Zarate added. “I’m proud that my mom and dad get to say, ‘Hey, that’s my daughter… she’s doing this. She’s the teacher of the year, and she’s going to be Dr. Zarate.’”
Originally from Kankakee, Illinois, Zarate enlisted in the U.S. Army before turning 21 and served as a tank mechanic at Fort Benning with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. Her service included a deployment to Kuwait and completion of Airborne School.
After leaving active duty as an E-4P specialist, Zarate resumed her college education in Columbus by enrolling in Columbus State University’s theatre performance program. Brenda Ito—a professor who later became theatre education program coordinator—played an important mentoring role throughout Zarate’s studies and teaching career.
“Brenda has helped me the whole way—from my first days as a CSU student and well into my teaching career,” said Zarate. Ito recalled: “Amanda had great determination and such a strong desire to learn… Even while juggling military duties and motherhood, she gave 100% in her classwork.”
Zarate graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance in 2016 before returning briefly to Illinois where she worked as a substitute teacher while considering long-term career options. She decided on teaching after researching graduate programs in theatre education—and once again chose Columbus State University for its summer intensive master’s program.
Guided by Ito during her master’s studies, Zarate secured her first full-time position as drama teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy within Muscogee County School District—a role she continues today since moving back to Columbus in 2017 and earning her master’s degree in 2019.
In addition to classroom teaching, Zarate contributed statewide by helping develop elementary theatre curriculum standards for Georgia’s Department of Education and creating professional development webinars for other teachers across Georgia.
“She saw the need for easy-to-access and ready-to-use resources that were lacking,” said Wynnton Arts Academy Principal Jackie Mumpower about both school-based efforts and those benefiting educators elsewhere. “She recently had an opportunity to share with other Georgia educators when a group of teachers came to visit Wynnton Arts Academy from another arts school in Albany. The teachers were so grateful to learn about all the resources she has created.”
Zarate emphasized: “Teaching is about challenging others—not just students in the classroom… It’s about coming out of your classroom and interacting with other teachers…. It’s about being surrounded by and supporting other teachers who are doing awesome things.”
Mumpower noted that “[At Wynnton], Ms. Zarate supports her colleagues by offering fresh ideas for instruction… She often volunteers to help colleagues outside of school… She also shows up for them and provides support when they receive special recognitions such as Teacher of the Year.”
The selection process for Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year is managed by Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF), which reviews applications from each school’s honoree before narrowing down semifinalists through interviews followed by classroom observations.
Zarate intends to use this recognition as an opportunity to advocate for marginalized students or those facing socioeconomic challenges across district schools—and ensure access for all students regardless of background or neighborhood.
“She told me, ‘First I’m going listen; then I’m going learn; then I’m going lead.’ I really hope that’s what I can do through this opportunity,” said Zarate regarding advice received early on from another educator.
Currently enrolled since 2023 in Columbus State University’s doctoral curriculum & leadership program—with plans for graduation in 2026—Zarate aims both to improve professionally as an educator while expanding future career possibilities through further academic credentials.
“Good leaders help students & teachers feel confident & help their schools thrive,” said Zarate.“I’d love stay classroom forever but don’t think entirely professional path… Thankful fellow teachers current instructors doctoral classmates encouraging stretch myself academically professionally.”
Reflecting on balancing motherhood work & study responsibilities: “For long time kept telling myself ‘Oh there’ll be good time Now not right time’…[My theatre studies taught me] if doesn’t make you nervous not worth doing So learned just go it because never going be ‘right’ time.”
Through these experiences Amanda Zarate continues working toward positive change within education while inspiring others—including future generations—to pursue their goals.
