I grew up on the East side of Des Moines. I attended Wallace Elementary, Hiatt Middle School, and North High School. I earned my teaching degree at Grand View College. I have been at Pleasant Hill for the last 24 years. I have taught Kindergarten for 22 years and Preschool for 3 years.

My husband, Travis, and I will celebrate our 26th anniversary this summer. Our son Zack is 23 and lives in Ames.

I am an avid reader and spend a lot of my free time reading. A few years ago, I started running and have completed many 5K’s, 10K’s and 7 half marathons with my awesome running partner, Ms. Horstman.

My name is Amanda Horstman.  I have been teaching kindergarten for 20 years. Almost all of them at Pleasant Hill Elementary. I have also lived in Pleasant Hill for 20 years.

I have four sons and two grandsons. Yes, that is a lot of boys! My youngest son, Hudson, is 14 and attends Southeast Polk as a freshman. My 17-year-old, Harlan, is a senior at SEP high school.  My son Haden graduated from SEP and is now a junior at Grinnell College.  The oldest Horstman, Jake, is 28.  Jake, my daughter-in-law Meghan, and my grandsons Archer and Frankie, live about a mile from me and hang out with us often!

In my “free” time I love to be outside, go running, going to Hawkeye sporting events, and spend time with my family.  My biggest hobby is definitely running.   I have run 8 half marathons and countless 5K and 10K races as well.  My favorite teaching partner, running partner, and friend just happens to be Mrs. Bowman, the other kindergarten teacher.

I am looking forward to another great year teaching kindergarten!