By Aldona Casey and Peyton Dauley
Before he leaves Mashpee High for the final time, we interviewed Mr. Allen, an English teacher, about the school and his memories here. He described his favorite memory at MMHS as when he was the advisor of the drama club, helping to produce plays like “Hollywood Hotel.” “We put on two or three plays, it was a lot of fun,” Mr. Allen said.
Before he leaves Mashpee High for the final time, we interviewed Mr. Allen, an English teacher, about the school and his memories here. He described his favorite memory at MMHS as when he was the advisor of the drama club, helping to produce plays like “Hollywood Hotel.” “We put on two or three plays, it was a lot of fun,” Mr. Allen said.
Mr. Allen has been a teacher for a total of fifteen years. He stated that the best, and most rewarding, part of being a teacher was helping and talking to students. “I wanted to become a teacher in the first place because I like being around young people and helping them figure out their problems and issues,” he said, adding that “...having summers off is good as well.”
“Develop good relationships with your classes,” Mr. Allen said, while giving advice to incoming teachers. “Treat students like they’re human beings, not like they’re robots who don’t have rich, full lives that cause them stress, anxiety, pain, and also joy. Kids are people.”
And to students, Mr. Allen reminded them of the importance of paying attention in the classroom. “There will be plenty of time outside of school to use your phones. You’re here to learn, and become better people. We are here to teach you how to succeed in life,” he stated, citing the importance of a student’s focus in order to succeed.
He also stressed to students the message that college isn’t for everyone, and that students do not need a degree to be successful or happy.
After retirement, Mr. Allen plans to continue his developing real estate career with his wife. “It’s awesome,” he said. “It makes people happy, it makes me happy, it makes my bank account happy. I get lots of free time, I get to drive around and hang out with my wife. I get to see my son more.”
Along with continuing his real estate career, Mr. Allen hopes to travel the world. He has already been to the United Kingdom, but hopes to venture further into Europe.
Although happy to continue his life beyond MMHS, it is safe to say that Mr. Allen definitely had a positive impact on his students. “He is a wonderful teacher who will be dearly missed,” said one of his students. “He’s hilarious, and always brightens up your day.”
“He’s one of the most friendly teachers I’ve ever had, as a joke I shake his hand everyday in the hallway,” another elaborated.
“Develop good relationships with your classes,” Mr. Allen said, while giving advice to incoming teachers. “Treat students like they’re human beings, not like they’re robots who don’t have rich, full lives that cause them stress, anxiety, pain, and also joy. Kids are people.”
And to students, Mr. Allen reminded them of the importance of paying attention in the classroom. “There will be plenty of time outside of school to use your phones. You’re here to learn, and become better people. We are here to teach you how to succeed in life,” he stated, citing the importance of a student’s focus in order to succeed.
He also stressed to students the message that college isn’t for everyone, and that students do not need a degree to be successful or happy.
After retirement, Mr. Allen plans to continue his developing real estate career with his wife. “It’s awesome,” he said. “It makes people happy, it makes me happy, it makes my bank account happy. I get lots of free time, I get to drive around and hang out with my wife. I get to see my son more.”
Along with continuing his real estate career, Mr. Allen hopes to travel the world. He has already been to the United Kingdom, but hopes to venture further into Europe.
Although happy to continue his life beyond MMHS, it is safe to say that Mr. Allen definitely had a positive impact on his students. “He is a wonderful teacher who will be dearly missed,” said one of his students. “He’s hilarious, and always brightens up your day.”
“He’s one of the most friendly teachers I’ve ever had, as a joke I shake his hand everyday in the hallway,” another elaborated.