Teacher Talk
Featuring Ms. Amber Aultman
Who we are...
We were pleasantly surprised to learn about her diverse knowledge on all the cultures after living abroad for so many years and especially her love for Mexican food!
Please read on to truly know the creative soul behind the seemingly shy persona.
- Name and position in AJAC?
Hello everyone! My name is Amber Aultman and I am the Grade 2 teacher and Grade Leader
2. Where are you from?
I'm originally from Houston, Texas, in the USA but I’ve lived overseas for nearly ten years: first in China for six years and now in the UAE.
3. Family?
I have two sons, Ethan and Jack that are here with me in AJAC in Secondary. The rest of my family still lives in the US.
4. Childhood nickname?
Oh I was given a lot of nicknames growing up! My sister always said she loved me so much she had as many nicknames for me as Eskimos have for snow.
5. Favourite food?
I love authentic Chinese food and I absolutely love love love Mexican food!
6. Hobbies?
I started kickboxing recently. I also love to read and write. I began writing my first novel over the summer but it’s taken a bit of a break since school began in the fall. I love to travel and be creative.
7. Favourite place in the UAE?
The first place I visited in the UAE was the Dubai marina and I still love that area. I’ve lived in Ras al Khaimah the last two years and am beginning to fall in love with the peacefulness of it and the mountains, beaches and desert.
8. Most memorable experience as a teacher so far?
My favorite thing about teaching internationally is that I still keep in touch with a lot of my former students’ families. I’ve had quite a few families I taught or other teachers I worked with visit me in Dubai or different areas of the US when we are there. I think teaching abroad really strengthens the bonds you have with your students, their families and colleagues.
9. Funniest moment in your teaching career?
I taught Pre-KG for several years in Shanghai. My first year teaching it, my youngest son Jack was in my class because it was the only Pre-KG class at the school. By the end of the first day, I had 20 children all calling me “Mommy” instead of Ms. Amber.
10. Most challenging moment in your teaching career?
Again, it involves my youngest son Jack being in my class! He didn’t like listening to me as his teacher and didn’t like doing his classwork. It was so difficult and drove me crazy being his teacher and mother. I was so happy when the school year ended and he went on to kindergarten!
11. Childhood hero?
My sister, she’s the smartest woman I know and is the Dean of Libraries at a University in Texas. She is always supportive of me and is an amazing aunt to my sons. I’ve always wanted to be like her growing up. I’m so excited to visit her in a few weeks!
12. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
I would definitely be a writer. Luckily, I’m able to incorporate the two pretty easily and get to pass on my love of writing (and reading!) to my students.