Getting to know Dusit: Mr. Allen
Mr. Allen, Curriculum Coordinator & Key Stage 1 Coordinator
-Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I didn’t choose to be a teacher. Teaching chose me. I’ve been teaching since I was 12. I was part of a number of sporting clubs and I was a coach for over 10 years, coaching athletes as young as 4 and as old as 50. So when it came time to choose my career, my career had already chosen me. I love watching people grow and develop and if I can be there to guide and mentor, I have the best seats in the house. Teaching is me.
-What is your vision, mission or philosophy in teaching and education?
My philosophy for teaching is a simple one. Get students to believe in themselves. Give them the tools to succeed and achieve. Be there to help, guide and facilitate learning. Help them to become independent, then stand back, and watch them fly.
-What makes you proud or excited to be working at St. Andrews Dusit?
What I love about Dusit is the school community. I love knowing all our families and getting a chance to teach all the siblings. It’s great being part of one big family and being a part of everybody growing and developing.
-What is your favourite Dusit Value and why?
Understanding - simply because if everyone looks after each other and puts other people's need first, what a brilliant place that would be.
-What is the best advice that you would pass onto your younger self or our students?
Vitae Lampada Tradunt - it was my high school's motto and I never understood it until I began to teach and see it in action. It means, "To pass on the torch of life". Passing on and sharing knowledge is the key to everyone's success.
