Amanda Heath is one of Southeastern Community College’s newest additions to the instructor roster as the new head of the Early Childhood Education program. Heath, a seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience in the field, joins the SCC team with a love for supporting future educators and enhancing early childhood education in Columbus County. 

A Bladen County native, Heath graduated from West Bladen High School in 2006 before pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned her associate’s degree from Southeastern Community College in 2010 and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Mount Olive in May 2018. Most recently, Heath completed her master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in May 2023. 

Heath’s professional journey in early childhood education began in 2008 when she started working at the local Head Start Program in Whiteville. Over the years, she transitioned from a substitute teacher to a lead teacher, working with infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. In 2018, after completing her bachelor’s degree, she moved into an administrative role as the Early Childhood Education and Disability Coordinator at Head Start. Heath’s career also includes teaching part-time in SCC’s Transitional Studies ESL program and as an adjunct instructor in Early Childhood Education, roles she has held since 2023. 

“I’m excited to join SCC, where I can teach and support the next generation of educators while continuing my passion for early childhood education,” Heath said. “The work we do has a lasting impact, and I’m eager to help make a difference in our community by shaping the future of education.” 

At SCC, Heath looks forward to fostering positive relationships with students and industry partners, working together to strengthen the field of early childhood education. As an instructor, she believes in the importance of the foundation that early education provides, not only in academic learning but in the social and emotional development of children. 

“I truly believe early childhood education is the cornerstone of lifelong learning,” Heath added. “As educators, we have the privilege of helping to shape the future, and I’m honored to play a role in that.” 

Heath’s diverse background also includes proficiency in Spanish, which she developed during her college studies and through her work at Head Start. Knowing the language enables her to better serve dual language learners in her classroom, helping ensure all students are able to succeed. 

Outside of teaching, Heath enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and being involved in church activities. She is also a fan of line dancing and music. Heath and her husband, Dawson, live in Whiteville. 

Heath’s arrival at SCC aligns with the college’s long-term goals of fostering quality education, community involvement and professional development for students. Her experience and dedication to the field of early childhood education will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of SCC’s program and its students. 

For more information about Southeastern Community College’s Early Childhood Education program, click here.