Introduction:

For the next addition in my Teacher Spotlight series, I decided to feature Ms. Allen, an English teacher here at Lenape!

What classes do you teach?  

English 1 and AP Language and Composition 

How long have you been teaching at Lenape? 

This is my 11th year at Lenape.

Have you taught at any other schools?  

Prior to Lenape, I taught at Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ.

What made you want to become a teacher?  

Initially, I had wanted to be a pharmacist.  I worked as a pharmacy tech during high school and also during my first years in college.  Early in my college career, I started teaching pharmacy technician state exam classes at community colleges and trade schools.  Enrollment was up and down each semester, but I loved teaching and knew it was what I wanted to do fulltime.  So, I changed my major (English was always a favorite of mine) to teaching with a focus on English and completed both my bachelors degree and my masters degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University.  

What do you enjoy most about being a teacher? 

I enjoy watching students grow, academically and personally, fostering school spirit, and providing a safe place for them to be during the day. 

Do you have a favorite topic to teach in your classes? 

Hmmmm, this is a tough one, because I have several!  I actually love teaching A Long Way Gone and Romeo and Juliet to my freshmen.  I love teaching A Long Way Gone, because it puts life into perspective for a lot of us and makes us appreciate what we have.  I also used to teach kids from Sierra Leone at my previous school, Franklin High School, and the stories of their parents’ experiences through the war left an imprint on my heart. The kids were so kind, respectful, and hardworking despite their struggles and experiences in their country. In addition, most freshmen dread Shakespeare, but I try to make it as fun as possible by acting it out and pushing my 9th graders out of their comfort zones.  It makes for quite a few good-hearted laughs at the end of the year.  I also love teaching AP Language and Composition.  I actually love everything about the course, and I enjoy trying to make it as interesting and engaging as possible with activities that will help students find success on the AP exam as well as life beyond the course.  

Are you an advisor for any extra-curricular activities? 

I advise Student Council, Hero Club, and Renaissance. 

Outside of school, what are some activities you enjoy?  

I enjoy taking my dog, Sniper, to the beach or anywhere he can explore, long-distance running (Charleston Marathon and LBI 18 Mile Run Finisher!), traveling, and spending time with my nieces and nephews.   

Favorite movie? 

The Notebook

Do you have any good advice for students?  

Enjoy every phase of life.  School can be stressful, work can be stressful, and life can be stressful.  Stay focused on the positive, face and overcome the challenges (they are all conquerable not matter how hard they seem in the moment), and enjoy life.  Never be afraid to challenge yourself or make a change (even a big change, like a career, etc.) to be happy and true to yourself.  Life is short—-enjoy and make the best of every minute.  And, be kind.  

Any fun facts about you?

I had heart surgery when I was 21, I was a champion horse rider in my high school days, and my grandfather’s first cousin was Domenico Modugno. 

If you were not a teacher, what would your career be?  

A pharmacist or a country singer.  I stink at math, so a country singer would be best…I just have to learn the guitar!