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First-Year New Canaan Teacher Seeks to Engage

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Allison Fallon is not content to sit at a big desk. Even as she leads her New Canaan High School English classes, Fallon frequently walks around the room, occasionally sitting in with a group of students as they talk about a book or a character. For her, teaching is more than just being at the head of the classroom.

“I can’t sit still,” Fallon says, smiling while sitting on her large desk rather than in her chair.

Movement not only keeps the high school’s newest teacher involved. It also keeps her students engaged, though she doesn’t think her style is overbearing. She’d rather blend in with the conversation. “I’ll get up and change seats at different times and sit with them,” she says. “It helps me figure out more about how to run the class.”

Fallon, 25, is enjoying her first year in New Canaan after a stint at Joseph Foran High School in Milford. During teacher orientation, Fallon admits, she was nervous about what her experience in a new school would be like. So far, so good, she says, about working with her classes of ninth and 11th graders.

“I have teacher friends who are jealous,” said Fallon, who is also an assistant coach of the girls cross country team. “It’s been fun. At the start of the year, everything is positive. Everyone has an ‘A.’ ”  

Fallon, originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., says she got into teaching to help children learn. But it also fits in with her desire to be a life-long learner without having to constantly pursue degrees. “I feel like I learn something new every day,” she said.

One thing she’s learned quickly about New Canaan kids is that they’re courteous. “They always say ‘thank you’ when they leave class,” she said. “It’s nice to hear.”

To contact reporter Melvin Mason, email mmason@thedailynewcanaan.com.

 

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