Carly Allman, a science teacher at East Henderson High School, has been named Henderson County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2017.
Like all 23 nominees from each elementary, middle and high school, Allman was nominated by her peers for the designation of her school’s Teacher of the Year. Following extensive interviews with a selection committee comprised of an administrator, parent, board member and the previous teacher of the year, Allman was selected Friday to represent the district as its 2017 Teacher of the Year.
As part of the award, Allman received a commemorative plaque from HCPS, $1,000 from Teacher of the Year sponsor Park Ridge Health, a Teacher of the Year class ring by Jostens, and an all-expense paid trip to a state education conference.
When Chief Human Resources Officer Scott Rhodes introduced Allman at the Teacher of the Year luncheon at the Hendersonville Country Club, he said, “We’ve all heard the saying, ‘People don’t care about what you know until they know you care.’” He said, “This HCPS Teacher of the Year personifies these words each and every day. She is focused on building strong relationships with her students, instilling mutual trust, and respect.”
Allman said she loves teaching and each of her students, from those who love school and excel in class to those who need encouragement and require a little extra patience.
For Allman’s care for and commitment to her students, the East Henderson community adores her, evidenced by the display of support they showed upon her arrival back at school after the luncheon. Students stood along the school’s track with handmade congratulatory signs, flower bouquets, and Eagle green balloons for Allman, who was escorted to the football field by Principal Carl Taylor.
Allman’s peers and students said they weren’t surprised to see her win the district honor.
“She’s such an amazing person,” said Michelle Huerta, a senior in Allman’s anatomy class. “She’s an inspiration to me and I love her so much.”
“I’m very proud of Carly and I’m honored to work with her,” said Meghan Hare, a co-teacher in Allman’s classroom. “I’ve learned so much from her that I’m going to use in my own classroom.”
Allman said she is humbled and honored by the award. She said she has a tremendous amount of respect for her fellow teachers and felt privileged to be chosen to represent HCPS.
“Everyone who was selected is strong and amazing in their classrooms,” Allman said.
Samuel Littauer, student body president at West Henderson High and luncheon keynote speaker, echoed Allman’s sentiments.
“Teachers that I’ve had over the past 13 years have taught me lessons that I truly will carry with me for the rest of my life. And every teacher here,” Littauer said, addressing the Teachers of the Year, “you’re not just here for your ability to educate; you’re here for your ability to inspire.”
Littauer said, “You inspire students across Henderson County to learn to love school, and more importantly, to love life. Thank you.”