There is a new position being held at the West Central Valley School District, and the person in that role may be familiar to some who roam the halls of the district.

Amanda Nims was hired as the Director of Teaching and Learning after her first year in the district as a 5th grade teacher. An Iowa native, Nims previously taught at Dallas Center-Grimes, and in Nebraska and Virginia beforehand. Having received an additional degree in administration, she applied for the director position with the desire to advance professionally and continue to serve the district. Her new position works on kindergarten through 12th grade level curriculum, as well as assisting with coordinating professional development.

Nims explains how this job benefits the district, “Traditionally, I think that this is a position that has always been taken on by building principals, another thing on their plate and so I think having someone whose sole purpose is the curriculum and instruction area really gives it the attention that it needs to make sure like I said before that we’re getting those really good resources for our teachers, for our students, and just making sure that we’re doing that aspect of the job really well.”

As she has just begun in first year as the Director of Teaching and Learning, Nims says she’s currently “taking inventory” of the district, meeting with teachers to see which resources they’re using to see what areas seek improvement.