Teacher Spotlight: Rebecca Allen – Creating a "Work Zone" for Success
Rebecca Allen, a dedicated math teacher at Southwest Preparatory School's Southeast Campus, is transforming the way students engage with math. Her innovative tutoring initiative and unique "Work Zone" approach are designed to eliminate excuses, inspire accountability, and foster a deeper appreciation for learning.
Eliminating Excuses: Always Available for Students
In her decade of teaching, Ms. Allen noticed that many students relied on excuses like "I didn’t know how" or "I didn’t have time" to avoid tackling math challenges. To counter this, she ensures her students know she's always available for support. Whether it’s an email in the evening or one-on-one help during lunch, Ms. Allen goes above and beyond to create an excuse-free environment.
She also spearheaded a state-mandated tutoring program for students who struggled on the STAAR test. By utilizing early release days for additional 90-minute sessions, students receive 30 hours of extra reading and math help annually.
The classroom’s "Work Zone" theme, complete with hard hats, safety vests, and signs, underscores the idea that learning is a job—and everyone has to show up for it. Inspired by a student’s candid admission of "I just don’t want to," Ms. Allen uses the theme to teach her students that effort is non-negotiable, even if it’s not always enjoyable. "Math isn’t the problem," Ms. Allen explains. "The challenge is getting students to believe in themselves and see the value of education and math in their lives."
Her approach combines structure with engaging activities, including interactive warmups like XtraMath, "Word of the Day" vocabulary lessons, and real-world data analysis using visual infographics. Students explore concepts like GDP, homeownership costs, and demographic trends, culminating in reflective questions like "What does this matter?"
Teaching Real-World Connections
Ms. Allen dedicates the first week of school to educating students on how education works—from attendance laws to grading systems. Students even design lesson plans aligned with TEKS standards, gaining a better understanding of their academic journey.
By patiently explaining the connections between work, rewards, and real-world applications, she ensures students buy into their education. "Trying to teach without student buy-in is much less effective," she says.
A Personalized Approach
Ms. Allen tailors her teaching to meet individual needs, motivating students with high-fives, snacks, and stickers. She uses adaptive learning software to monitor progress and intervene when necessary, ensuring no one is left behind.
Positive Student Impact
Since implementing her initiative, Ms. Allen has seen remarkable changes in her students. Behavior has improved, academic performance is rising, and students are becoming more responsible for their own learning.
One standout student, previously failing, is now projected to excel on the STAAR test. Another has embraced the challenge of excellence, showing extraordinary progress.
Students appreciate Ms. Allen's efforts to explain not just math but the bigger picture of education. "The real test isn't STAAR or final exams," she tells them. "The real test is real life."
Acknowledging Support from Administration
Rebecca Allen emphasizes that her success would not have been possible without the support of her campus administration, particularly Principal Lindsey Heckman. "Without Ms. Heckman’s support, there would be no initiative," Ms. Allen says. "She, and the whole staff, have been instrumental in making this work. The admin team provides discipline support and works with me to arrange class schedules and provide student resources that best meet student needs."
Inspiring Belief and Growth
Rebecca Allen’s mission extends beyond teaching math; she’s helping her students believe in themselves and their potential. By fostering an environment where learning is seen as both a responsibility and an opportunity, she’s equipping her students with the tools to succeed—not just in school, but in life.