Allison Blair, a Pre-K teacher at Buffalo Gap Elementary School, has been selected as the Abilene Reporter-News/Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union “Amazing Teacher” of the Month.
Leanne Murray nominated Blair for her deep care and commitment to her youngest learners, particularly students with special needs.
“She truly cares about her pre-K students at Buffalo Gap Elementary. She often has children with special needs she is taking care of and teaching,” Murray wrote. “Most importantly, she wants her students to learn to be giving and have good character. She is making the world a better place, starting with just the little babies.”
From the teacher
Blair teaches in an inclusion classroom serving 3- to 5-year-olds, where she focuses on building routines, kindness and a strong academic foundation. Now in her 21st year of teaching and her 11th year at Buffalo Gap Elementary, Blair describes her work as both challenging and deeply rewarding, and said she was surprised and humbled to be recognized.
She describes her classroom as a place where children learn far more than academics.
“We work on routines and procedures at school, being kind to others,” Blair wrote in an email.
What inspires her
Her path to teaching was shaped by educators who made a lasting impact on her life.
“Looking back, I had several teachers who inspired me to be a teacher. They were not only good teachers, but people that I could go to about anything,” she said. “Honestly, God put me on this path. I didn’t think long and hard about what I wanted to be, I just followed His lead.”
Advice for future teachers
Blair encourages future educators to be prepared for both the joys and challenges of the profession.
“Teaching can be the most rewarding job, but it is hard and doesn’t get easier the longer you do it,” she said. “Some days you will love it, and some days will make you cry. Hopefully the smiles outweigh the tears!”
If she could take her class on a field trip anywhere, the choice would be easy: “Disney World!”
About the school
Buffalo Gap Elementary School is part of Jim Ned Consolidated Independent School District and is located near Buffalo Gap, Texas. The school serves students in pre-K through fifth grade.
Do you know an Amazing Teacher?
The Amazing Teacher program, sponsored by Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union in partnership with the Abilene Reporter-News, recognizes educators whose compassion, creativity and dedication inspire students and strengthen their communities. Teachers are selected monthly, honored locally and entered for opportunities to receive both local prizes and national-level recognition and awards.
Is there an Amazing Teacher in your life? Let’s hear about them! Nominations are open to all. Go here to submit your favorite teacher.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Meet the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union Amazing Teacher for the month: Allison Blair
Reporting by Laura L. Davis, Abilene Reporter-News / Abilene Reporter-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
