Teacher Tuesday : Ms Amy Bater
This week we spoke to Ms Amy Bater who hails from Essex, England. A teacher of History in the secondary school, Ms Bater holds a BA of Arts (Hons) Social & Cultural History, from Universtity of Essex and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (SCITT Secondary), from Roehampton University.
How many years have you been teaching?
I taught for four years in the UK before moving here.
What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?
I think the way young people think is unique! There is a spark and enthusiasm that always makes lessons exciting. I love it when students find their own passion for History and want to find out more.
How would you describe the community at KIS?
KIS has a really strong sense of community. I have made some good friends since being here and I have seen the way the students look out for each other and celebrate each other’s successes and differences.
You were recently appointed to the role of Charity Committee mentor. What does this involve?
Since becoming the Charity Committee mentor I have helped the students organise and run some fantastic events, including Spook Night with the Student Council which was a huge success. I have got a really motivated group who want to make a difference in their community so it makes my job much easier.
How can parents best support their children in studying for Humanities subjects?
History is a vital subject; the skills we learn in History can be transferred outside the classroom to a wide range of things. History teaches young people how to reason, ask questions and make judgements for themselves – not just believing what they read. Parents can support their children in Humanities by encouraging them to pursue it and teaching them the value and importance that it holds as part of their education.
If you could meet a famous person, who would you meet and why?
I recently read about a woman called Juana Inés de la Cruz, she was an incredible woman living in Mexico in the 17th century who fought for her right as a woman to be educated. She said “I don’t study to know more, but to ignore less.” I think that is really powerful, so I would like to go back in time and meet her!
What do you enjoy doing in KK when you’re not working?
KK is such a beautiful and vibrant place! When I’m not working I like to go to the Islands and go to the beach or snorkel in the sea. I had never seen a tropical island before so it is still so exciting to me! Also I have become really fond of Monitor Lizards so I like spotting them when I am at the islands.
