Morton Ranch High School teacher Selected as Staples Foundation for Learning/Education Foundation of Harris County Teacher of the Month
Allison "walks the walk," as she demonstrates commitment to family, high expectations, fair treatment of students, compassion in times of need and instructional integrity. In addition to being a U.S. History teacher, she has worked as a special education teacher and case manager. While working in special education, she provided individual attention to each case she managed, offering meaningful and frequent feedback to parents.
By far the most touching aspect of Merrell’s career as a teacher is her compassion for her students. Student Huang Chan “Shihlin” Liu was enrolled in Merrell’s history class the year that Liu’s mother died of cancer. Merrell helped plan a memorial service for her mother and then spearheaded an effort to raise money for Liu’s college fund. Then, she and her husband Mark opened up their home. Today, Liu lives with the Merrell’s, their one year old daughter and soon-to-be-born baby.
“Moral courage is a rare personal trait; today’s Teacher of the Month presentation recognizes this virtuous trait in Allison Merrell and affirms for students that self-respect and integrity comes with being truly as concerned for others as you may be for yourself,” said Dr. Roland B. Smith, chairman of the board for Education Foundation of Harris County.
“Mrs. Merrell is a rock for her students,” said Joe Cammarata, Morton principal. “She listens to her students and offers reflective questions to help resolve a situation. She values differences among students and recognizes talents in all. It is common to see a flock of students sitting around her desk after school, engaged in conversation.”
As Teacher of the Month, Merrell receives gifts for her classroom provided by Staples Foundation for Learning, the charitable arm of Staples, Inc., which funds the Teacher of the Month program with the Education Foundation of Harris County to recognize excellent teachers in Harris County.
“Staples Foundation for Learning is thrilled to support the Education Foundation of Harris County’s efforts to recognize outstanding teachers who go above and beyond to shape the minds and attitudes of our youth,” said David Leach, general manager of the Sharpstown Staples. “As a company that is committed to supporting education, Staples commends the foundation and all our local teachers and mentors for the great work they do year round to foster positive learning environments.”
Education Foundation CEO/President Douglas Kleiner says a grant from Staples Foundation for Learning provides for Teachers of the Month to invest in classroom activities and supplies.
“Together, we and Staples Foundation for Learning are supporting excellence in education throughout the 26 independent school districts in Harris County, where over 800,000 children attend school,” Kleiner said. “Teachers of the Month will receive an invitation to 2009’s prestigious “Excellence in Education” dinner event, an annual Education Foundation tribute honoring Harris County school teachers.”
The 2008 dinner event was held at Union Station where Astros owner Drayton McLane addressed the teachers and presented the Harris County Teacher of the Year Award. In 2007, former first lady Barbary Bush presented the Teacher of the Year Award.