Amber Merkatoris

Position: Science, RFHS Hometown: Woodville College attended: Florida Institute of Technology

Hobbies!interests: I love to spend time with my family, sew (quilt, cross-stitch, needlepoint), fish, bike, hike, play volleyball and garden. I enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. As our youngest daughter entered 4K, I began substitute teaching for Baldwin-Woodville. I enjoyed teaching so much, I earned my biology and broad field science teaching license through Educate- WI.

Family: I grew up in Alaska until I went to college, where I earned my BS in marine biology. It was there that I met Brett, my husband of 11 years. We moved to the Twin Cities, where my husband worked as a pilot and I earned my AAS in veterinary technology. I worked in an emergency veterinary clinic and a general practice for two years before becoming a stay-at-home mom to Bridgette (9) and Marcie (6). During my time at home, I started teaching ESL part-time for a Chinese education company called VIKPID. My husband completed his AAS Paramedic and now works for the Maplewood Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic. He’s also a volunteer firefighter/lead training officer for United Fire & Rescue. We have a black Lab and six chickens.

Why did you choose teaching as profession? I spent many hours of my childhood in my mom’s rural Alaskan classrooms. I always knew I was meant to be an educator, but chose to experience other careers first. During a long-term subbing position, I felt something new. I was able to provide students with a safe place for learning and help them discover their passions. As they developed, so did 1.1 knew it was time to pursue teaching full-time. My goal is to empower students through education.