For nearly two years, Amy Kowbel has been making a lasting impact as a Read/ Write & Math Intervention Instructor at Foothills Academy Society. Working with students from both our school and the broader community, her favorite part of the job goes far beyond seeing test scores or reading levels improve, it is watching her students' self-assurance transform. Nothing brings her more joy than helping a child completely reshape how they see themselves and what they believe they can accomplish.
For nearly two years, Amy Kowbel has been making a lasting impact as a Read/ Write & Math Intervention Instructor at Foothills Academy Society. Working with students from both our school and the broader community, her favorite part of the job goes far beyond seeing test scores or reading levels improve, it is watching her students' self-assurance transform. Nothing brings her more joy than helping a child completely reshape how they see themselves and what they believe they can accomplish.
As a vital member of our Tier 3 school team, Amy’s daily work revolves around targeted, small-group intervention. With her current focus largely on literacy, she leads five distinct student groups throughout the day, honing essential reading, spelling, and comprehension skills. Once the school bell rings, her dedication continues as she often stays to work one-on-one with an additional student from the community.
Many people might not realize how much intervention work differs from traditional tutoring. Rather than assisting with daily homework, Amy focuses on addressing foundational skill gaps at the source using science-backed, evidence-based methods tailored specifically to our learners.
Because literacy and math touch nearly every corner of daily life - from following a recipe while baking cookies to navigating a trip to the store or following a storyline in a video game, strengthening these core abilities opens up the world for her students. Amy sees the tangible ripple effect of her work when students burst in to share how they spotted a reading concept on a local street sign or recognized a narrative structure in a weekend movie. By equipping children with practical, real-world tools for both home and the classroom, Amy helps build a lasting confidence that shines through in everything they do.
Thank you, Amy, for the incredible work you do every day. Your patience, expertise, and genuine heart for our students build a foundation of success and confidence that lasts a lifetime!
Fun facts about Amy:
- Sweet or salty snacks? Sweet.
- Fun fact: For the last year and a half, Amy has been learning Japanese! She has been having a lot of fun exploring a language and culture that is quite different from her own.
- If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be? Amy would love to be able to instantly pick up a new language. She finds joy in the process of learning, and would love the opportunity to connect with so many different people.
- Favourite season: Amy loves the fall season (it's a close second!), but spring has always felt special. There is so much hope and colour coming back to the world after winter, things feel fresh and bright.