Plumas Charter School is excited to shine a spotlight on Amy Branch, a special education (SPED) teacher serving students at both Indian Valley Academy and the Chester Learning Center. With a passion for personalized education and a heart for mentoring, Branch has become a cornerstone in the SPED program, ensuring that each student’s unique needs are met with care, creativity and professionalism.
A path to special education
Branch’s journey into special education wasn’t something she initially planned. "I actually never planned to be a teacher!" she said. While living in the Bay Area during college, Amy worked at a facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Her original goal was to earn a credential to provide in-home services and create life-skills goals for adults. However, after obtaining her credential, she needed to clear it, so she began teaching. "My plan was to do my two years and then move on. I guess I enjoyed it, because I haven't stopped teaching since!"
Experience across different communities
Branch’s teaching journey began in Sonoma, where she worked in a moderate-to-severe self-contained classroom. “I loved it and actually had no plan to switch to a mild-to-moderate setting,” she explained. However, after three years and a desire to settle down in a more affordable area, she moved to Lake Almanor and began teaching as a resource teacher in Susanville. Life’s twists and turns led her through a variety of teaching roles, including time spent in Westwood and back in Susanville, but the desire to be close to her growing family eventually brought her to Plumas Charter School. "Now here I am, and hoping to stay for the long haul," Branch said, reflecting on her journey.
Mentorship: A role that grows both ways
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Branch also mentors another SPED teacher, an experience she finds immensely rewarding. "I had such a great mentor when I was doing my student teaching and clearing my credential," she recalled, emphasizing the importance of having someone to learn from and ask questions. She believes her mentorship experience has been mutually beneficial: "Mentoring has challenged me to question why I am doing what I'm doing and if what I'd been trained on 10 years ago is still best practice. I think it’s been a win-win." She said she looks forward to continuing her mentorship role as future opportunities arise.
Advice for new SPED teachers: Build your team
When asked about advice for new SPED teachers, Branch’s emphasis is on communication and support. “Document everything, and find your people. Nothing is more valuable than having people you can ask questions and bounce ideas off of,” she advised. She stresses the importance of clear communication with all stakeholders—administrators, teachers, parents and students—reminding new teachers that “there’s a reason it’s called an IEP Team. You aren’t meant to do the job alone.”
Finding joy in creative teaching moments
Some of Branch’s most rewarding teaching moments have come from thinking outside the box. “I’ve done laps around the track with sight words and used a sticky slap hand to make a game out of reading,” she said. For her, finding ways to engage resistant learners is both a challenge and a joy. “Having parents tell me that their kid feels comfortable and confident is the best feeling. If I could be a safe place for a kid, especially one who has struggled through school, that is reward enough.”
Life beyond the classroom
Outside of school, Branch stays busy with her two young children, a four-year-old and a two-and-a-half-year-old. "They take up all of my free time and I wouldn’t have it any other way," she said. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys cooking, baking, spending time in the woods and reading—if she can keep her eyes open after a long day!
Amy Branch’s dedication to her students, her willingness to go the extra mile and her role as a mentor embody the spirit of what makes PCS such a special place for both staff and students alike. PCS is grateful to have her as a part of the team and looks forward to seeing the continued impact she will have on our students and the broader school community.