Amanda Beck

I grew up in Michigan and was fortunate to start with German at my local high school. Because of my inspiring teachers and a life-changing trip to Germany in 2001 that sparked a passion, I knew at 16 that I wanted to become a German teacher. I studied German and Education at Valparaiso University, where I also lived in the Kade-Duesenberg German House. This immersive experience allowed me to grow both linguistically and interculturally and strengthened my commitment to fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections in my own classroom.

In 2007, I began my teaching career at William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, Indiana, where I continue to teach today. I have worked with all levels of high school German, including dual-enrollment courses through the Indiana University Advanced College Project. My classroom specialties include gamifying instruction, integrating authentic materials, and building strong connections with students to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. At my school, I coordinate the GAPP exchange, German Club, German Quiz Bowl team, and the German National Honor Society. I also serve as World Language Department Chair and Senior Class Sponsor.

Beyond my school community, I have been deeply involved in professional organizations, which have helped and continue to help me grow as an educator and a person. I have served as Conference Chair and President of the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, currently serve as Central States Board Member and Advocacy Chair, and am Vice President of AATG Indiana. The connections among German teachers have sustained me in countless ways through the years, and I look forward to the collaborative work of strengthening German programs through high-quality resources, innovative instruction, and strong advocacy networks as a GEM.