I am Mamie Spillane. I have been in Amphi for 20 years and am proud to serve as the principal at Rio Vista Elementary School.  I believe in teaching the whole child and am working to create a rich experience for every student that is tailored to meet their individual needs and interests. 

Defining Moment in Education

At 18 years old, I got a job as a playground monitor at an elementary school in California. I loved working with students so much that I changed my major to elementary education and have never looked back. I taught English learners for many years and then went on to become an instructional coach, an assistant principal, and now a principal. Working with teachers and staff to provide students with every opportunity needed to achieve their goals has been my life's work. 

Core Educational Belief(s)

• Teach each child as an individual. Develop a relationship and figure out what methods work best for that child.
• Never stop learning and growing.
• Do everything you can for every child and never give up.

Prior Experience

• Assistant Principal at AHS
• Curriculum and Instruction Support Specialist for seven years
• ELD teacher at AMS for two years
• ELD teacher at Prince for eight years
• 3rd grade teacher in Guatemala City 
• 1st grade teacher in Vietnam 
• 5th grade teacher on the Navajo reservation 

Professional Accomplishments

• 2007 Arizona Teacher of the Year Ambassador
• 2007 Arizona Refugee Teacher of the Year
• 2007 US Dept. of Ed. American Teaching Star winner for Arizona