Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Kathy Castor

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 2010 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year, Megan Allen of Tampa Bay. An elementary school teacher, Ms. Allen was selected among finalists from across the state of Florida. Ms. Allen is a wonderful example of educators who make a positive difference in the lives of their students.

Ms. Allen graduated from Clemson University in 2000 and continued her education at The University of South Florida, graduating in 2003 with a master's degree in elementary education. Until her senior of her undergraduate studies, Ms. Allen planned on pursuing a law degree and eventually a career as a lawyer. However after losing her mother to pancreatic cancer during her senior year of college, Ms. Allen made the decision to pursue a degree in education--just as her mother had done years before.

Ms. Allen, who was named Teacher of the Year for Hillsborough County in February, was chosen from more than 180,000 public school teachers throughout the state. Ms. Allen has taught the fourth grade at Cleveland Elementary School in Tampa for five years.

Ms. Allen's impact is felt throughout the community. A National Board Certified Teacher, Ms. Allen was selected for her energetic, enthusiastic teaching style, and her community service projects outside the classroom. Beloved by her students, Ms. Allen often dresses up for FCAT study sessions, and leads her class in decimal-point rap songs. She says her style involves anything to grab the kids' attention.

Madam Speaker, the selection of Megan Allen is a firm testament to the standards of quality education in the state of Florida. Ms. Allen is one example of the dedication and incredible talent of our teachers, and I am so happy that she chose to follow in her mother's footsteps and am proud to have her teaching the children of my community.