Mrs. Mary D’Amour teaches biology to secondary scholars at JAA-Online. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science from California State University, Sacramento, and her master’s degree in Teaching Science from Western Governors University in Utah. Her personal interests include biology education, reading, health, gardening, pickleball, faith, family, friends, and exploring the great outdoors. She is passionate about inspiring scholars to explore the natural world and feels honored to engage in John Adams Academy’s mission of revolutionizing education. Her goal is to help scholars carry the torch of freedom and service beyond the classroom and into their communities.
Mary was drawn to John Adams Academy seven years ago by its 10 Core Values, classical pedagogy, and the mission of Restoring America’s Heritage through the development of servant leaders. Over the past five years, she has taught biology and honors anatomy and physiology at various JAA campuses and has also served for three years as an administrator at the Lincoln Campus. In these roles, she has enjoyed teaching scholars to serve their communities and be the change they wish to see in the world. Mary believes modeling what we teach is the most powerful way to inspire greatness in others.
Her teaching philosophy has been shaped by many great authors and thinkers, including C.S. Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Maria Montessori, and Charlotte Mason. One of her favorite quotes about education is from Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” Mary believes education should empower scholars to think critically and independently, articulate their thoughts, and serve others in ways that inspire human flourishing.
Mrs. D’Amour is excited to meet you and your family and looks forward to partnering with you in learning at John Adams Academy-Online.