Amanda Alaniz is a wonderful reflection of the Portage community. By day, Alaniz takes care of 8,000 students as a Superintendent, and by night she is a loving wife and mother. She paved the way for other women as the first female Superintendent for Portage School System. From Northwest Indiana beginnings, to overseeing all schools in Portage Indiana, Alaniz is a true inspiration.
From the tender age of 5, Alaniz hoped to become an educator. This was because of the passion for teaching demonstrated by her Kindergarten teacher, Lorraine Kobe.
“Lorraine inspired me,” Alaniz said. “Through her career she had a disco ball hanging above her desk. It now it hangs above mine.”
Alaniz moved from Hammond to Portage when she was in third grade. After graduating from Portage High, Alaniz went on to Purdue University to become a teacher. She then taught for 8 years and started a family, welcoming two beautiful little girls in the world. With the support of her husband and parents, Alaniz returned to college.
“Thanks to my parents, my husband’s parents, and extended family, I was able to juggle school and motherhood. It’s because of everyone’s support and encouragement that I was able to succeed,” Alaniz said.
Even with everyone’s support, getting to where Alaniz is today wasn’t easy. She first had to find the belief in herself that she could do it.
“When I was younger, I didn’t have much academic esteem,” Alaniz said. “I never dreamed I'd one day get a doctorate.”
Alaniz realized it is a matter of work ethic and attitude that would take her to where she wanted to be. She is now thankful for the difficulties she faced.
“As student in high school, things didn’t come easy,” Alaniz explained. “I always had to work hard. That challenge became a strength. It made me never give up because of a challenge.”
Now, as a superintendent, Alaniz thrives on the fast pace nature of her career. She enjoys setting a culture for employees and supporting everyone’s ability to meet needs of students.
“The best part of my job is taking care of the school system’s overall wellbeing,” Alaniz explained. “The social, emotional, and academic growth is always my preliminary focus.”
An invigorating aspect of Alaniz's job is that no two days are the same. Even though Alaniz may not get what she expects to get done, she goes where she is needed. She finds this rewarding.
“So often, plans for the day go out the window,” Amanda admits. “Developing the minds and hearts of kids is always priority.”
Alaniz acknowledged that she has a constant stream of support that allows her to do her job well. She tips her hat to the entire Portage community for the love that is shown to the school system. Both as a Portage student and superintendent, Alaniz has experienced the unparalleled Portage pride.
“There is so much support for school system,” Alaniz said. “We are blessed to have that strength backing us.”