A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Amy Hamann
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: May 6, 2026
Barker Middle School teacher Amy Hamann has won multiple awards for her dedication and work. She’s gone above and beyond time and time again, seeking additional resources for her students and supporting their endeavors.
Hamann recently entered the America’s Favorite Teacher competition. If she wins, it would not solely favor her – America’s Favorite Teacher of the Year means the students at Barker Middle would have the opportunity to meet Bill Nye The Science Guy.
“This would be very exciting for the Barker Middle School students, which includes a few hundred seventh and eighth graders,” Hamann said.
If Hamann secures the nomination for America’s Favorite Teacher of the year, Hamann would also win $25,000, which she would use to purchase more STEM learning equipment, including drones. This aligns with the STEM class Barker currently teaches, as its curriculum relies on a mix of technology and science aspects and leverages drones inside her classroom.
While these STEM classes are her main focus now, in the past, she has taught other science classes at Barker.
“I try to really incorporate as many real-world aspects as possible to help my students prepare for their career,” Hamann said. “For the prize money, I’d like to purchase new drone equipment for my students.”
In particular, Hamann would like to purchase virtual reality (VR) drone equipment.
“We’re looking at some VR drone equipment, similar to what the Michigan City Police Department uses,” Hamaan said. “He’s come in as a guest speaker several years in a row. Now, obviously not as high quality as theirs, but it would be really cool to use some of that equipment.”
Born and raised in Michigan City, Hamann has been at Barker for several decades and worked in multiple capacities.
“I really love teaching the STEM classes,” Hamann said. “You can really make them dynamic. I currently teach around 100 students at a time.”
“I just want to inspire students and connect them with the real world,” she said. “That’s why and that’s how the drone unit came up, so that students can connect with more of a career-focused class. I want to connect to careers, because the students should start at least thinking about their future.”
As part of the America’s Favorite Teacher initiative, teachers across the country are placed in groups. You must rank number one within your group to advance to the next round. Now in the Quarter Finals, Hamann is hovering around the top percent!
“Voting is super important,” Hamann said. “You can submit one free vote a day. We’re usually hovering mid-spot in the group and continue to keep progressing.”
Hamann has also won 2025 PAEMST STEM Indiana State Finalist, 2024 Barker Middle School Teacher of the Year, 2021 PAEMST Science/STEM Indiana State Finalist, and 2013 PAEMST Science Indiana State Finalist.
In her free time, Hamann enjoys reading, camping with her family, relaxing outdoors, and being present with those around her.To vote for Hamann, visit America’s Favorite Teacher here. More information can also be found on the school’s Facebook page.