When Hall Fletcher Elementary School Principal Carrie Buchanan started playing Taylor Swift in their school’s morning assembly, 1st grade teacher Maggie Allen didn’t know what to think. She was shocked to hear the news, in front of her students and peers, that she has been named Asheville City Schools 2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year! 

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor and retain new teaching professionals who show promise as an excellent educational leader. 

“I had a pretty difficult education journey when I was growing up,” Allen said. “My 2nd grade teacher really advocated for me and got me the support I needed and if it wasn’t for her and those teachers that saw something in me, I don’t know where I would be. So, that is why I became a teacher. I love building those close bonding relationships with my students.” 

Maggie Allen is a graduate of Western Carolina University. She is certified in elementary education K-6, inclusive education K-12, and special education K-12. 

Allen is in her second year of teaching at HFE.  

As Asheville City Schools finalist, Allen will submit her application to NCCAT. They will then select a pool of applicants to compete for the title of 2024 North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year! If selected as the state’s Beginning Teacher of the Year, she will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a GoGlobal NC trip. 

"We are incredibly proud of Maggie Allen and her remarkable achievements as an educator. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to her students are truly commendable," said Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools. "Maggie exemplifies the excellence and innovation that we value in our school district, and we wholeheartedly support her in the upcoming statewide competition.”

Maggie Allen's passion for teaching and her commitment to an inclusive and equitable learning environment have made a lasting impact on the students of Hall Fletcher Elementary School. As she continues her journey in education, her dedication and enthusiasm are sure to inspire many more students in the years to come.

"I have a passion for fostering student growth and a goal of making every student feel welcomed, seen, and accepted,” Allen said. “I believe in prioritizing the social emotional needs of my students, in order for them to achieve their academic goals."

Congratulations, Ms. Maggie Allen! We are so proud of you!