Amanda Reading remembered as a natural and loving teacher

SHELLEY —  Amazing, smiling, loving, kind and patient are how Amanda Reading’s colleagues remembered the Sunrise elementary teacher who passed away unexpectedly on March 8.

“Today, the world is not a better place without Amanda Reading.” Riverview Elementary Principal Ben Lemons said. “You don’t replace an amazing mother, excellent teacher, and awesome member of the community. You just cope with the loss.”

Amanda had been a substitute teacher at Riverview Elementary for several years when Lemon encouraged her to get her teaching certificate and become a full-time teacher. 

“She was just so amazing at teaching, loving, and caring for the students,” Lemon said. 

Lemon and others recognized that Amanda had a natural ability to teach.

“She student-taught in my classroom last year for several months before being hired full time this year,” second-grade teacher Kristin Barnard said. “She had such a knack for teaching … Being a teacher was her true calling in life.”

Amanda influenced and touched the lives of her students in the short time she taught.

“She helped me a lot, and we always had fun. I’ll miss her.  She was my favorite teacher,” Josh Larson, one of Amanda’s students, said.

Amanda is remembered as great teacher because she was attentive to the needs of her students. 

When Josh was confined at home because his father tested positive for COVID-19, Josh’s mom, Brianne Larson, said Amanda gave her cell phone number to her and told Brianne to call her if Josh needed anything.

“She was a bright light to all who worked with her,” Barnard said. “She gained her student’s trust through her amazing smile and deep love for them.”