Amanda Ponder grew up in Sugar Land, TX, but has lived in Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida. 

Ironically, she graduated from Texas A&M University in 2004 with two bachelors degrees, one in Spanish and another in English.  She interned as a translator with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic after graduation from college.

Ms. Ponder has been a teacher for nine years, and this is her second year in Houston ISD.

She loves being a teacher. The students motivate her daily to constantly bring her best for them.  She enjoys the challenges of working with 100+ people on a daily basis.  

Her goal is to earn a PhD in Educational Curriculum and Instruction and eventually become a legislator working to change the laws regarding education in America.