Amanda Poole cites the events of 9/11 as the initial motivation behind her decision to teach. She was studying to become an architect, but questioned that path after seeing how vulnerable buildings can be. This revelation led her to study international relations in France. While overseas, part of her job involved working with youths throughout Europe, and from there her present career path took shape. A Teach for America participant, she says some of her biggest accomplishments in the field of teaching involve taking disinterested kids and making them see that learning can be fun.