Staff Spotlight: Amanda Scheideman

Amanda Scheideman is in her fourth year with NVUSD, and her journey back to Napa Valley feels like coming home. Born and raised in the valley, Amanda participated in a dual language program as a child and was excited for the opportunity to return and support students with special learning needs at Unidos Middle School. Her personal experience in dual language education makes her work especially meaningful.

When asked to describe her job to someone unfamiliar with schools, Amanda shares with humor and heart that she spends her days guiding small, emotionally unpredictable humans through the maze of knowledge while managing chaos with the grace of a caffeinated octopus. Beneath the humor is a deep commitment to helping students navigate the challenges of middle school.

What excites Amanda most is building strong relationships with her students and supporting them during such an important stage of their lives. She shares that she does not have children of her own, so her students are like her babies. “I don’t do this job for anyone but them,” she says.

What was one of your first jobs that you remember fondly and why?

I grew up babysitting in town and loved it. I am an only child and always looked for opportunities to watch kids. I loved to play teacher with them. 

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Spending time with my dog at the beach, or reading during the fall/winter months. 

 

Tell us about a time you set a challenging goal for yourself and how you accomplished it?

Last school year, I lead our school’s fundraiser with an initial target of $500 to support new bathrooms at a small rural elementary school in Nicaragua. I was nervous to present a cause so dear to my heart because of the nature of middle schoolers. Our students blew me away and ended up raising over $1,850. The kids were deeply invested in the cause, and watching their enthusiasm and commitment grow throughout the process was truly inspiring. Their dedication reminded me how capable and compassionate young people can be when they feel empowered and connected to a goal.

 

What motivates you to do your best?

My experience in developing countries has shaped my entire life. I am motivated my friends in Nicaragua who have become like family to me. They remind me to keep pushing forward when I feel overwhelmed. 

 

What three (3) historical individuals (living or dead) or fictional characters (from books, TV, movies, etc.) would you most like to have dinner with?

Lorelai Gilmore, Judy Heumann, Plestia Alaqad/Bisan Owda.

 

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

My father started a non-profit in Nicaragua when I was very young called Developing Communities Inc. I am fluent in Spanish and teach an English class on zoom to secondary students in Nicaragua. 

 

Your Favorite NVUSD Core Value:

Relationships Built through Trust and Belonging. Coming from a Special Education perspective, this is so important. My students are successful because they feel safe in our classroom and on the larger campus. They know they are loved and accepted here. 

 

What is one of your books or favorite quotations?

“For we are leaders of inclusiveness and community, of love, equity, and justice.”

- Judith Heumann, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

 

One of Amanda's favorite quotes is:

"For we are leaders of inclusiveness and community, of love, equity, and justice."

- Judith Heumann, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist