Amy Donato
Amy Donato is an experienced educator and second-grade teacher based in Buffalo, New York. She currently teaches at Universal School, where she delivers core instruction in a close-knit classroom environment while also contributing to school community development. Having joined the school mid-year, she has demonstrated a strong focus on student growth and engagement, helping her class make significant academic progress in a short period of time. Her work is shaped by a hands-on leadership style that blends classroom instruction with active participation in school culture.
Throughout her career, Amy has built more than a decade of experience in education, coaching, and instructional leadership. She previously served in multiple roles at Elevate K-12, including instructional coach, teacher community lead, senior induction coach, and recruiting and onboarding coordinator, where she supported teacher development, retention, and instructional quality in online learning environments. Earlier in her career, she taught fifth grade science in the Zanesville City School District, developing engaging, standards-based lessons in math and science while building a strong foundation in classroom instruction and student-centered learning.
In addition to her classroom work, Amy serves as a learning facilitator with Pearson, where she trains educators on instructional tools and supports professional learning initiatives nationwide. Her work extends into school culture-building and family engagement through PTA development, fundraising events, and community programming. She also integrates emotional well-being practices and mindfulness strategies into her teaching, reflecting a commitment to supportive, inclusive, and reflective learning environments for both students and educators.
• Professional Learning Facilitator
• Muskingum College - B.A.
• America's Favorite Teacher Contest - Third Round
• PTA
• Breathe For Change
• PTA Leadership and Fundraising
• Community Outreach at Universal School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being goal-driven and detail-oriented, consistently staying open to learning new skills, and maintaining a strong commitment to mentorship and leading by example.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that the more I learn, the more I grow. I’ve also been encouraged to pursue my dreams without hesitation, to avoid regrets, and to focus on making a positive difference each day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to not be intimidated by others and to trust in your own capabilities. Stay curious, ask questions, and never hesitate to seek clarity when you need it. Most importantly, be open, honest, and willing to learn from those around you while building your own voice and confidence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the continued growth and expansion of high-quality online education, which allows us to reach and support students across the country in more flexible and accessible ways. A key focus for me is continuously strengthening my teaching and interpersonal skills to better support this mission and enhance the learning experience for every student I work with.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness and respect toward others, a commitment to continuous learning, and a strong desire to help those in need. I also place great importance on staying actively involved in my community and contributing in meaningful ways wherever I can.
Locations
Universal School
Buffalo, NY 14203