“We all have a light, and I pray I teach my students each year to shine theirs brightly,” says this month’s outstanding teacher, Leigh Allen, preschool teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School (OLPH).
Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and behind every successful education system are dedicated educators who inspire, nurture, and empower young minds. Allen, a remarkable educator, exemplifies the essence of a teacher who imparts knowledge and instills a deep love for learning and a sense of belonging in her students. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, resilience, and profound impact on her students’ lives.
Allen’s educational journey is closely connected to her own life. “I chose teaching as my profession due to my love of children,” says Allen. “I grew up babysitting, and my mother was a teacher. I have a passion for 4- and 5-year-olds.” Raised in Germantown, she is a product of the public school system, attending Farmington Elementary and Houston High School. Armed with an Early Childhood Education degree from The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), she embarked on her career, teaching at various institutions, including Arlington Elementary and Riverdale Elementary, before finding her calling in a kindergarten classroom at Macon Hall Elementary.
Allen decided to stay at home to raise her two boys. Still, life’s twists and turns eventually led her to choose the teaching path, driven by her deep affection for children and her familial connection to the teaching profession through her mother. Her heart’s calling, coupled with a natural affinity for the inquisitive minds of younger children, motivated her to delve into teaching again. “I think they [4- and 5-year-olds] are the coolest people on our planet,” says Allen. Her role as a substitute teacher at her son’s school allowed her to reconnect with the classroom setting, reigniting her passion for shaping young minds.
In 2019, an unimaginable tragedy took place as Allen’s oldest son died in a car accident. In the face of such adversity, she found solace and purpose in her desire to recommit fully to teaching. Drawn by the memories of her son’s love for OLPH, she sought a position there. “I wanted to be at the school where my son was so loved, and the place he loved so dearly,” says Allen. The School’s opening provided a platform for Allen to channel her grief into a transformative force for herself and her students. Her dedication to teaching the “littles” and her adeptness at nurturing their social and emotional growth served as a guiding light for her students. “I love teaching the littles because they are sponges and generally have inquisitive minds that are fun to teach and guide,” says Allen.
Allen’s classroom is a haven of learning, love, and encouragement. Her distinctive ability to recognize and encourage each child’s unique potential sets her apart. Her goal is to transmit knowledge and kindle a genuine love for learning, school, and life. Beyond the curriculum, Allen instills in her students the importance of embracing their inner light and allowing it to shine brightly. She exemplifies the ideal educator who imparts knowledge, helps her students discover their potential, and empowers them to let their individual lights illuminate the world.
Allen’s journey from childhood within Germantown’s public school system to becoming a beacon of inspiration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is a story of passion, perseverance, and profound impact. She is very respected and loved by parents as well. One parent stated: “This woman has created an unbelievable space for the children of her class. She is a beacon of light and love. The way she develops and cares for these children is truly one in a million.”
Her dedication to teaching the youngest learners and her ability to connect personally creates a learning environment that nurtures young minds and shapes them into confident, compassionate individuals. Allen’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring influence teachers like her have on shaping future generations.
We want to shine a light on your child’s teacher, or even a teacher who made a difference in your life. Submit your nomination today by emailing teacher@memphisparent.com.