Each year, Read Across America Day in March highlights the importance of reading as a fundamental academic skill. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has made it a strategic goal for students to read on grade level by the end of third grade. Reading specialists such as Amanda Bontzos at Mantua Elementary School play a key role in this effort.
Amanda Bontzos, who was named a finalist last year for Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee, is recognized for her commitment to supporting both students and teachers. According to her nomination, Amanda “works tirelessly to ensure all students reach their potential by guiding the interventions throughout the building and directly serving students with the greatest literacy needs.”
Colleagues note her positive influence on students: “The students light up when they see Amanda come to pick them up and often even run out the door, as they are so excited to work with her,” one colleague stated.
Students also express appreciation for her help. One student said, “Mrs. Bontzos is always helping me read. She taught me tricks on how to read and helps kids who can’t read yet. Mrs. Bontzos is so sweet with me — she is kind to everyone.” Another shared, “Mrs. Bontzos helps me read and find books to read when I don’t know what book to read. She is always nice to us and makes me feel like I can do it.”
Bontzos supports teachers as well by sharing practices that have significant impact on student success, according to her nomination.
Linda Shannon, principal of Mantua Elementary School, highlighted Amanda’s expertise: “Amanda is a true teacher of teachers. Her deep knowledge of literacy, educational best practices, child development, and teacher development empowers her to guide and support our entire staff effectively,” she said. “As principal, I have had the great privilege of learning from Mrs. Bontzos and witnessing the profound impact she has on student and staff learning and the overall efficacy of our school.”
Last year saw kindergarten through sixth grade teachers implement Benchmark Advance, a new literacy program at Mantua Elementary School. Colleagues noted Amanda’s role during this transition: “Her work to illuminate the program and navigate its implementation with teachers and students is immeasurable,” one stated. They added that this was due not only to her diligence but also her character—“patient, gracious, positive, and encouraging.”
A colleague summarized Amanda’s recognition by saying: “What really speaks to her commitment and leadership is that her door is always open, her emails are always thoughtful, thorough, and clear, and she is dedicated to not shying away from challenges but embracing them as opportunities to learn.”
