Some of the best students and teachers in Louisiana are right here in Gueydan, and we think they deserve some recognition, so this is our chance to get to know them a little better. This is our Jesse Owens Staff Spotlight on Mrs. Allison Gleason.
What's your name?
Allison Gleason
What do your students call you?
Mrs. Allison
How long have you been teaching? How long have you been at Jesse Owens?
This is my 6th year teaching and my 3rd year at JOES.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school?
I have always liked math the best.
What do you love most about being here at JOES?
I love the family feel amongst the teachers and staff because we are such a small school, we are always here to support each other. I also like our small class sizes, it gives me more opportunity to build relationships with my students.
Who or what inspired you to be a teacher?
I was actually the kid who swore I would never be a teacher, even in High School and college. Once I had my own children I saw the need for good teachers and felt like I could be a positive influence.
What's the farthest you've ever been from home?
Mexico
What's your favorite team(s)?
I am an LSU alumni, so of course I am a Tiger fan!
Do you have any collections? If so, of what?
I love gnomes, all of my holiday decorations are always centered around gnomes.
What's your favorite meal?
Philly Cheese steaks.
What's something you learned through failure?
I don't believe in failure, I believe we make mistakes, and we learn and grow from them.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leading through example, never asking someone to do something that you aren't willing to do yourself.
If you could go back in time to when you were your students' age and give them advice, what would it be?
There are going to be people in your life who try to bring you down because it makes them feel better about themselves, don't sink to their level. Rise above the critics and choose to use their criticism as motivation to prove them wrong.
What's one thing people would never guess about you?
I have always wanted to run a Christmas tree farm. I love Christmas and my favorite part is decorating my tree.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time in school?
My second grade teacher had a loft built in her classroom that we were allowed to read in. I think that is where my love of reading began.
Could you tell us a little about your family?
I have been married for 14 years to my husband Patrick. I have 2 children, Hayden is 12 and in the 7th grade and Brooke is 10 and in the 5th grade. My family has A LOT of animals (2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 chickens, a hedgehog, a turtle, a rabbit, and a leopard gecko)
What are a few things you couldn't live without?
My family, my coffee, and my crafts projects.
What's your favorite quote?
"Nothing is impossible, even the word says I'm possible."