“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

BIO: 

Allison is thrilled to be a first grade teacher at PSES. She is passionate about working with children and loves to create and learn with them, as well as listen to the stories they have to share.

Her teaching journey first began in high school where she taught preschoolers two hours per day. She took a break from the education field during college to pursue a degree in interior design and business, in which during her senior year she designed a school for her thesis project.

Allison moved to Pagosa Springs with her sister after graduating from Western Michigan University in 2011. After four years of living, learning, and loving Pagosa Springs, Allison still felt her passion for wanting to work with children. She began taking classes and working as a preschool teacher at Seeds of Learning. After just a year she began the Boettcher Teacher Residency Program for a master’s degree in education.

Allison has successfully completed her Master of Arts in Education, with an emphasis in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education degree. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her goldendoodle, Rico, taking care of her backyard chickens, mountain biking, reading, and exploring the mountains.

EXPERIENCE:

First Grade Teacher  Jan 2017 – Present

Kindergarten Resident Teacher, Fall 2016-Jan 2017

   Allison learned so much about teaching by being in the classroom every day with the                    kindergartners. She co-taught with and under Kathy Faber and learned countless effective            teaching and classroom management strategies from her. While being in the classroom every      day, Allison was also taking night and weekend classes toward her master's degree in                  education.

Preschool Teacher 2015-2016

    Allison received a great foundation for early childhood education at Seeds of Learning, here in     Pagosa Springs, as she worked under incredible teachers and mentors.