Ten years into her teaching career, Allyson Thompson says she still gets a thrill from developing strong bonds with her students.

“One of my favorite things about teaching is the relationships I form with my students and their families,” Thompson says. “I am with my students for more time during the day than most of their parents are. This then allows me the opportunity for influence.”

Thompson recently finished her third year of teaching fifth grade at Fairhope Intermediate School. She previously taught kindergarten, fourth and fifth grades at different schools in Mobile County.

Thompson says she hopes to use her influence in the classroom to encourage her students to do their best in every encounter life presents them.

“I hope that they look back to fifth grade and remember all that they learned, the fun we had and that I loved them,” Thompson says.

A love from teaching was something Thompson acquired at a young age.

“It was something that I always knew I wanted to do from a very early age,” Thompson says. “In second grade, my teacher Mrs. Lindsley allowed me to “teach” art projects to the class. I remember making bunnies out of paper plates and cotton balls. I loved showing the other kids how to do this.”

Her adolescent experiences as a teacher continued on the dance floor, where she became a student teacher at the age of 14.

“This showed me that I loved working and helping kids,” she says. “And then in college I starting teaching dance a few nights a week, so I have always had students.”

Thompson says one of her favorite aspects of the job is seeing her students outside of the classroom.

“Teaching is like being a celebrity,” Thompson says. “When you go out in the town where you teach, students are amazed to see you out of the school building. They run over to you and hug you and introduce you to whoever they are with. It is pretty awesome.”

NAME: Allyson Thompson

SCHOOL: Fairhope Intermediate School

SUBJECT(S) TAUGHT: Fifth grade

SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOURSELF: I love to spend time at the beach and anything that involves the water. I grew up water skiing, kayaking and fishing. These are all activities that I currently enjoy doing with my children.