Profiling Ms. Hines, firm believer in the power of music

Some believe in fate or destiny and others believe that everything happens for a reason. One thing's for sure, Amanda Hines is meant to teach music. Her charisma and charm has all her students locked into the lessons and actually wanting to be there. Airport High School has a long history of an award winning music program. Both chorus and band have been winning competitions and have been passionate about their talents for years. Ms. Amanda Hines has contributed to that greatly. Her work has supported students and helped them find their way. If you would like to learn more about Amanda Hines, please keep reading. Given Ms. Hines presence and influence in the school, the staff of The Eyrie decided to dig a little deeper into exactly this person is.

Amanda Hines is local and went to Springdale High School and graduated in 2005. Hines went to Columbia College for her undergrad program and Winthrop for her grad program. She majored in music education and graduated in 2009. Her parents had provided her with weekly vocal lessons since she was a child, so it was no wonder she went into a career as a music teacher herself. Music has always been her passion and she is now very educated in it.

In her elementary and middle school years, Hines took band and chorus class. Hines discovered she wanted to teach music in the sixth or seventh grade and always knew she wanted to teach high school, even though at the time she hadn't even been to high school yet. When asked if she ever wanted to teach middle schoolers, she stated, “I could teach middle school if I had to, I just don't want to. I belong in high school.”

She has been teaching for eleven years and has taught at five schools including Airport High School. She has taught both middle and high school, but of course, prefers her high school students.

On top of a teaching job, Hines worked many odd side jobs, including working with the Town Theater on the sound and light board. Even though what she is passionate about does not pay all her bills, she refuses to leave. She came into the profession knowing that her paycheck would fall short. She expressed extreme concern that “teachers are unpaid in the southeast and that gap should be met so they can make a living wage.” She even added, “Teachers should be taken better care of.” Even though she makes less than what she deserves, she considers herself successful; she is happy and healthy and that is all that matters to her.

Hines loves working for Airport High School. She says, “The admin and staff give the building a community feel. Everyone is there for each other when needed.” The only thing she would change is how the students talk and respect each other. It upsets her how violent and angry the student body tends to be. She wishes they could respect each other more. Hines is also very sure that once she leaves the Airport, she is done teaching. She hopes to retire from Airport High School.

If you have ever met Hines, you would know her character is big and you can't miss it. From her witty sense of humor to her empathy for others, you can't help but love her. Standing with phenomenal posture, having the brightest colorful hair, and a personality that fills a room. She'll be the kindest and most understanding person you’ve met.

Her love for animals and music collided when naming all of her pets, they all have a music related name. With three cats, a fish, a gecko, a dog, and a Steve, her house is very busy. Hines is very close with both of her parents. She shared a story about what her mom wanted to originally name her; “My mom wanted to name me Amanda Lynn but was scared people would say it too fast and everyone would call me the instrument; Mandolin. I had music relations before I was even born.” Family has always been important to her.

Amanda Hines hopes to spread joy and music education at Airport High School until the end of her days, and frankly, so do her students.