More than 30 years ago dreams of becoming a doctor developed into dreams of becoming a teacher for Susan Allen, Advancement Center coordinator. After less than seven years of teaching at First Flight High School, Allen is the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year.

With a scholarship for biochemistry to Old Dominion University, Allen planned to get a dual degree. However, in the last year of working toward her degree, Allen’s education was put on hold because of her decision to get married and then the birth of her first child. Years later, she went back to school to earn her degree, but plans changed when she had her second child. While raising two children, Allen realized how much she loved education and turned to her second choice; teaching.

“I think that the Lord opened the doors that way, guided me, and shut the other doors,” Allen said.

She began teaching development courses at Tidewater Community College, helping students with chemistry and math. Allen moved on to teach Chemistry labs for two years at TCC. For 10 years, Allen taught at Atlantic Shores Christian School, Portsmouth Christian School, Alliance Christian Academy and TCC. When her children graduated high school, she decided to teach in public schools, starting at East Carteret High School, and soon moving to the Outer Banks to work at FFHS. Since then, Allen has earned a dual certification in math and science.

Allen has received this recognition three times in both the middle and high school level at previous schools she has work in. She said she is honored to be this years TOY.

As a tradition, TOY presents a speech at graduation. Allen says her speech will touch on how diverse and unique the class of 2013 is.

“It was a very overwhelming experience, but humbling at the same time,” Allen said. “The job I do here is different from everyone else’s classroom job. I didn’t think that it was noticed, nor did I expect people to even realize what I was doing here.”

To be eligible for selection as TOY, a teacher must hold a Standard Professional 2 (SP2) license, be employed full time, and spend at least 70 percent of his or her time in direct instruction of North Carolina public school students, according to the North Carolina State Board of Education Policy of March 2008.

“There are so many great qualities that come to mind when referring to Ms. Allen. Her compassion for kids and their learning is the main one,” Principal Arty Tillett said. “She’s relentless and often works with kids when the regular or more traditional approach in our classrooms doesn’t work as well for them. She then engages them at all kinds of levels; it’s really masterful to watch.”

Allen takes time outside of regular school hours to help students when needed. She stays after school everyday from 3:15-5 p.m. and sometimes until 8 p.m.

“It’s something that I do, it’s something I enjoy, it’s something that I’m passionate about,” Allen said.

The Advancement Center is a place where students can get individual attention. This is a place to help students who may have fallen behind a little, and to keep the motivation and focus going, according to Allen. The Advancement Center can also be used for transfer students, or those who plan to graduate early. Allen also works with homebound students who are unable to make it to school for medical reasons.

“This individual attention benefits the students in a way that reaches far beyond the doors of FFHS. It gives them a sense of confidence in their ability to be successful in the next phase of their lives,” English teacher Kim Blankenburg said.

Allen works closely as a faculty adviser with many of Blankenburg’s students for their senior projects. But Allen’s concern is for all students.

“The reason why I’m so passionate about teaching is because I want them to understand from me that teaching is the foundation for every other thing you are going to do in your life,” Allen said. “If you don’t believe you can do it, you’re not going to have success in whatever you do, no matter what you do, students have to have the desire in themselves and believe in who they are.”

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