My goal as a teacher is to teach my students to believe in their capabilities. I want to initiate and generate change that allows students to recognize and live out their full potential.”“
Allison’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Chemistry
Why Science
“While I recognize that I cannot convince every student I have to love science as much as I do, I want to remove the barriers of access to science for every student in some way. It is a goal of mine to engage students in science while also showing them how much I care about each of them as unique, valuable, and capable individuals.”
Professional Experience
Allison has taught all levels of chemistry at several schools in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during her teaching career. She currently works to support new and early-career teachers at her school through coaching, evaluation support, and mentorship. Allison sponsors the Environmental Defense Club and has built a recycling and composting program for the 2,500+ students in her building. She is an adjunct professor at American University, leading courses for STEM teachers in the D.C. Public School System each summer.
Allison works hard to create an accessible, engaging science curriculum in her classroom, which allows all students to feel supported, capable, and heard. She collects data on her classroom practices and is continually trying to learn more in her commitment to equitable education.
While studying education, Allison taught an introductory course for incoming university freshmen and worked as a teaching assistant for organic chemistry. As a fellow in the K–12 STEM Educator Consortium Grant Program, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Allison designed experiments that were sent to the International Space Station, studied integration of space topics into science curriculum, and worked at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Volunteer Experience
As a proud cancer survivor, Allison participates and fundraises for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life annually and has often served as the honorary survivor speaker. Allison works to support her local community in Baltimore, Maryland, by engaging with local organizations supporting city youth.
Hobbies
Allison enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching performing arts, watching sports, traveling and spending time with her family, her rescue dog (Luna), and her friends.
Academic Background
- University of Maryland (Master of Chemical and Life Sciences)
- University of Maryland (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Secondary Education)
Knowles Academy Courses Taught
Designing Instructional Tasks to Increase Student Engagement and Learning in Science