What is your name and department? My name is Amy Koda and my department is Family and Consumer Science. 

What school did you graduate from? Illinois State University.

Did you teach at any other school or is North your first? Yes, this is my fourth school, so I worked at a small rural high school called North Boone High School, then I went to Northbrook Junior High, then I went to Woodland Middle School and then I ended up here.  

How would you describe most of your classes? Did students find your subject difficult? I think students have a lot of fun in this class. I think it’s just like a really relaxed atmosphere and they get to work on their projects at their own pace and they get to create something that they really like, at the end of the semester they get to wear it, so I feel like that’s really rewarding.

What were some fun things you do in your classes? We sew almost every day, we listen to music and I feel like we talk a lot and we build relationships.

What’s your favorite song, movie, or TV show? My favorite band is Pearl Jam, for sure. 

Do you have any pets? Yes, I have a Shiba Inu, her name is Mila and she’s ten years old

How would you describe your fashion sense? Comfortable, but I try to stay on top of trends.

What is a quote you’re inspired by? Benjamin Franklin’s “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” It’s a classic. 

Did you plan on being a teacher? Yes, I knew my whole life I wanted to be a teacher.

What’s your favorite memory at North? Probably the fashion shows that we have. I really like the fashion shows; they’re the best day of the year 

Why did you decide to become a fashion teacher? I really liked that it’s hands on, it’s not the traditional teaching approach, it’s more like hands on and project based. 

What’s your favorite piece of clothing that you’ve made? Probably dresses. I like making a lot of different dresses, whether they’re formal or casual

What would students be surprised to learn about you? That I was born on New Years Eve!