Sra. Allyson Van Voris

Email: Click Here
Phone: (480) 472-1839

Biography

Many years ago the principal of Shepherd Junior High took a chance on hiring a bright, young teacher fresh out of college...  and I haven't left Shepherd since!

Ever since I was a child I wanted to be a teacher.  Throughout my elementary years I watched my teachers, mimicked what they did and would go home and play "school" with my playmates, always assuming the role as the teacher.  I was the student who was used to tutor others in the class and was relied on to show new students "the ropes".

Though I always wanted to be a teacher, the subject changed over the years.  First I wanted to teach biology, then it was English.  During high school I made the decision to become a Spanish teacher.  I was greatly influenced by my own Spanish teacher, Sra. Truett, who served as my role model.  In fact, some of the strategies and techniques I use in my class I learned from her!

I attended the University of Arizona (no jokes,please - I am a proud Wildcat) and graduated with a BA in secondary education with a major in Spanish.  I specifically went to school to be a high school Spanish teacher.  Talk about living the dream!

I began my career at Shepherd in 1995 as a novice teacher.  There was so much to learn and, at times, it was overwhelming.  However, I was guided by some of Shepherd's best over the years, and, though many of the teachers who taught me the "tricks of the trade" have gone on to other things, a few are still at Shepherd.  It is no exaggeration when I say that some of Mesa's best teachers are here at Shepherd.  My heartfelt thanks go out to them!

In 2004 I earned my master's in Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University (yes, I snubbed ASU once again).  I am now able to teach English as a Second Language, though I have no desire to leave the world language department.  It's nice to know I have something to fall back on in case the Spanish gig doesn't work out. 

I've grown so much since that first year.  I've learned volumes of strategies, techniques and methods and have given back to the profession that has given so much to me by guiding three student teachers, mentoring numerous novice teachers and sharing whatever little teaching "tricks" I can to make teaching motivating and enjoyable for all.

My years at Shepherd have been happy, insightful and valuable, but, most importantly, fun.  I hope when your student leaves us to move on to bigger things that he/she will look back on his/her years at Shepherd and say the same thing, and I hope that I was a part of it.