Round Rock ISD named Allie Duffy the 2018 Elementary Teacher of the Year at the District’s annual banquet Monday evening, sponsored by the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation and A+ Federal Credit Union.
Duffy was named the Teacher of the Year at Joe Lee Johnson Elementary STEAM Academy and was selected among 34 elementary educators to represent the District at the state competition. Duffy has been an educator for seven years, six of which have been served teaching first-grade students. She is the inaugural Teacher of the Year for Joe Lee Johnson, the newest elementary campus in Round Rock ISD.
As an elementary teacher, Duffy said her ultimate goal is for students to learn how to be empathetic, flexible, persistent, resilient and optimistic citizens who feel empowered to make a difference in the world and dream big.
“In my classroom, we foster and nurture relationships because if children do not feel loved and valued, there is no reason for them to want to engage in the academics,” Duffy said. “When you visit my classroom, you will see my philosophy of developing the whole child — socially, emotionally and academically — come to life. I am confident my students will become citizens who will change the world.”
Duffy said she credits her passion for education to three people: her grandfather who taught her not to overlook any child or family; a childhood neighbor with Down syndrome who taught her tolerance and acceptance; and her nephew who gave her a family perspective when it came to solving education challenges.
“Allie has a God-given talent with children, always has a smile on her face and it seems like she has never ending energy and joy,” said Gabi Niño, Joe Lee Johnson principal. “I think of her as a magnolia — when you plant a magnolia flower next to any crop, it helps the crop grow big and strong. Allie is a magnolia — constantly pushing her students and peers to grow to their full potential.”
Duffy will continue on to the 2018 Region 13 Secondary Teacher of the Year competition where she will represent Round Rock ISD in hopes of becoming the 2018 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“Allie Duffy is an outstanding example of a servant leader who consistently puts students first,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores said. “She has shown a true passion for education and has helped her colleagues across the District grow as she served as a leader of Reading Rocks. I am proud to celebrate Ms. Duffy and look forward to having her represent our District.”
