My name is Amanda Blount, I graduated from Salem college Cum Laude with a BA in studio art and education. I am going into my 8th year as an art teacher. I am passionate about inspiring the “I can” attitude in my little artists and look forward to being at Brookside.

I’ve been employed with GCS (Brookside) for 16 years.  I'm looking forward to another great school year!

I began my career with Gaston County Schools in 2018.  Prior to joining Brookside Elementary, I taught 6th grade at Grier Middle School for 3 years.  Prior to joining Gaston County, I taught 4th and 5th grade with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.  I am excited to be a part of the Brookside Bulldogs team!

I am excited to be back at Brookside Elementary School. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University where I studied under the direction of Dr. Kenney Potter and Dr. Nana Wolfe-Hill. As a conductor, I have enjoyed the distinct honor of competing and being selected as a finalist in both the Southern Region ACDA conducting competition as well as the NCACDA conducting competition. In addition to my work as a conductor, I currently serve as the Music Director at Vision Church (Gastonia, NC) and reside at his home in Belmont.

I am from Youngstown, Ohio.  I graduated from Youngstown State University, in 2001, with a degree in Elementary Education, grades K-8. I have been teaching for 18 years and began my teaching career in Naples, Florida where I taught 2nd grade for two years. From there,  I moved here to North Carolina, in 2005, and taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade in both Union and Mecklenburg counties for 14 years.  I came to Gaston County in 2020, and teach 1st grade here at Brookside Elementary. My husband is a High School History teacher in CMS.   In my spare time, I enjoy running!  I have completed many half-marathons and am proud to say I am a MARATHONER!