Samantha Opperman is celebrating 14 years in education, including a decade as a high school English teacher, where she taught everything from Freshman Reading Intervention to Advanced Placement and college courses. She also served as an Instructional Coach, guiding new teachers in best practices and data-driven decisions, and spent the past two years as the principal of Bradshaw Mountain Middle School in Dewey, Arizona. Though she gained valuable experience in school leadership, she is thrilled to return to the classroom, where her passion for teaching began.

Mrs. Opperman holds a Bachelor's and Master's in English Literature, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education, focusing on supporting gifted students. She is happily married with two sons, Luke (7) and Reed (4), along with two beloved pets, Ruger and Leia. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, playing ice hockey, and knitting. She looks forward to exploring local bookshops and coffee houses while sharing her love of literature with others.

Above all, she is eager to connect with APA students and reignite her love for classroom teaching. Witnessing students grow, think critically, and develop a deep appreciation for literature is what makes teaching so rewarding. She can’t wait to meet her new students next year!