Amber Stohr is an IDC State Liaison and TA Specialist working to develop resources and tools for SEAs to use in their efforts to enhance data quality and reporting. She sat down with us to answer some burning questions.
Hi, Amber. Thanks for chatting with us. Okay, ten questions. Number one, what’s one thing you love about your work?
Really, there are two things. First, I love working with data and assisting states and entities with improving their data quality, literacy, and governance. In our modern world, data are powerful—and producing high-quality and reliable data are integral to not only federal reporting requirements but also to informing programmatic and policy decisions and so much more. Second, I enjoy the opportunity to work with colleagues and clients across the nation who are diverse, intelligent, and very dedicated.
What’s one thing you find challenging (in or away from work)?
Mornings. Unfortunately, I am a natural night-owl, something that is not super common in the education field. My brain is just getting warmed up when many people are done for the day.
What’s your current favorite tv show?
I’m really enjoying both the House of the Dragon and the Rings of Power.
What’s one of your desert island books?
Fiction would be A Song of Ice and Fire, hopefully the complete series as it is not finished yet. Non-fiction would have to be the Encyclopedia Britannica—so I can learn all kinds of things, including how to survive on a desert island.
I’m sensing a theme, fantasy-wise. Which member of the Fellowship of the Ring are you?
In my mind, I am most certainly an elf, but I have to admit I’m more likely to be a hobbit.
What’s one of your favorite movies?
The Matrix. It was unlike any movie we had seen before and truly changed moviemaking. I loved the action, science fiction, and existential exploration. There is no spoon.
What song title best sums up your outlook on life?
I aspire to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It is a constant work in progress.
You can live anywhere in the world. Where is it?
I don’t know yet. I’ve lived in two countries and visited several others across three continents, and I still have many places to explore. Living abroad was the greatest, most eye-opening, and formative experience of my life. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.
What’s one skill you wished you possessed?
Teleportation. As a kid, I wanted to be able to wiggle my nose like Samantha on Bewitched and just appear at my destination. It would make traveling so much easier!
What is one thing you will never do again?
Spend a day, or even an hour, riding roller coasters. I love them, but my ears, and therefore my body, just cannot handle all the spinning these days.
Thank you, Amber! Reader, look for more opportunities to get to know the IDC team on this page.