IMLA Region 3B

 2004 Educator of the Year

Allen Lake

Allen is always up-to-date on current educational research because he believes that schools and teaching methods can always be improved.  He continually searches for ways to make learning more effective and subjects more interesting to students.  He shares these materials and ideas with his staff, encouraging an open dialogue and experimentation within the classroom.  He pushed us to move beyond the status quo and to keep our teaching dynamic and in a perpetual state of growth.

As educators, we feel that Allen is the ideal administrator.  He maintains an open door policy and makes us feel welcome to approach him on any issue, personal or professional.  He listens with an open mind and shows respect for our ideas and feelings.  He seeks input on important decisions and changes involving the school.  Allen freely gives us credit for ideas and daily shows appreciation for the work we do.  We value the freedom he grants us in the classroom.  He expects us to maintain standards of excellence in teaching, yet allows us to develop the means and methods best suited to our own styles.

Allen goes out of his way to strengthen the bonds between staff members at MMS.  He sees the value of each person and his/her role in the mission of the school.  Teachers, secretaries, educational assistants, lunchroom personnel and custodians are all treated in the same fair and friendly manner.  He plans, and often funds, activities to bring us together throughout the year, including picnics, a Christmas party, and Teacher/Staff Member of the Year celebrations.  Because of Allen, we feel like a family, not just a group of professional colleagues.

However, the number one reason that Allen is IMLA Region IIIB Educator of the Year is that he is totally committed to our students.  He truly understands their educational and personal development.  He treats kids with kindness and humor.  Many times we have seen him engaged in conversation with the friendless and lonely students.  He has a way of making them feel cared for and important.  He reminds us to accept children for themselves and not expect them to fit a mold just to make our lives easier.  He allows students to have a true role in school leadership.  If Allen has a motto that guides his approach to administration, it is that he believes that schools are to meet the needs of children, not children meeting the needs of schools.

In conclusion, teaching at the middle level is not an easy task.  Having Allen Lake as our leader is one of the major reasons we continue to teach at Middleton Middle School.  We cannot imagine a principal more worthy of your award.