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“Three words to describe Dr. Getty? Funny. She’s smart. And I think she’s really lovable,” Claudia Ortiz Valencia, a sophomore English major at Grand View University said.  

It is clear that Dr. Amy Getty’s impact is hard to contain in only three words. For most students who have her, Dr. Getty is a memorable professor who leaves a positive impression on the world. 

Getty, a professor of English and Director of the Honors Program, has been teaching at GVU for nearly 22 years. In that time she has taught writing, literature and English to a range of students, whether in First Year Composition, literature courses or in honors classes.  

Getty enjoys teaching, especially because of the students. Meeting new students or teaching returning students allows Getty to stay up to date on the world and challenges her thinking. 

“You know, a lot of people are always like ‘young people today!’” Getty said. “I get to actually know people and so it’s a lot harder to do those stereotypes.” 

Despite her ability to acknowledge stereotypes about the younger generation, Getty finds herself slipping into some cliches. A lover of horror novels, jigsaw puzzles, baking cookies and cats; Getty is exactly what many people think of when imagining an English professor. What people may not expect is Getty’s unique teaching style.  

Ortiz Valencia, who had Getty for British Literature, admires this style greatly. 

“I think what makes her different is she’s very honest,” Ortiz Valencia said. She points to Getty’s willingness to give constructive and introspective feedback to students while also providing clarity in the assignments’ structure and the format of the Blackboard page. 

Throughout Getty’s years of experience, her teaching style has shifted to adapt to the needs of students.  

“I used to be a lot more point-driven. I would focus in on points, as far as grading. I now am much more flexible with grades and make-up, and things like that,” Getty said.  

Getty is also willing to make enjoyable moments for her students, whether that means bringing in gift bags for holidays, or homemade goods. 

“She makes it fun,” Ortiz Valencia said.  

Despite making class fun, Getty also pushes students to succeed, often meaning they have to explore topics that would not normally interest them; whether reading, writing or creative pursuits. She strikes a balance between urging students to learn while understanding that sometimes life gets in the way. 

“I try not to take anything too seriously. I mean, I think it’s important that we get the most out of the college degree that we can, but I also understand that people have lives and do things outside of the classroom as well,” Getty said. “I don’t necessarily want to be the professor that’s like ‘you have to do all of this work for my class, or else you’ll never make it in this world!’ I don’t believe that.” 

From her experiences with Getty, Ortiz Valencia has improved both her creative thinking and her knowledge as an English major. “For British Literature, we had to do the creative projects and I had no idea what I was doing, so it was a lot of out of my comfort zone,” she said.  

Getty takes her own advice, too. Whether inside the classroom or not, Getty likes to get involved and participate. 

“It’s more fun here at Grand View when you do stuff, like I don’t just sit in my office,” Getty said.  

One could hardly blame her if she did. Getty’s office makes the most of the Jensen building’s amenities, decked in a cozy purple and dotted with plants. Her office creates a welcoming space for any students who may need advice, or who simply want to talk. 

“I just like being cozy,” Getty said. “I like chatting with students.” 

Through her dedication to student success and commitment to teaching, Getty has learned a lot over the years. One piece of advice she gives students, especially those just starting out, is to make time to show up.  

“Go to class,” Getty said. “You miss a lot when you miss a class.”  

Luckily for students in Getty’s classes, they are sure to have a positive experience. 

“Dr. Getty is an amazing teacher and if she taught all the English classes I would take them,” Ortiz Valencia said.