From Classroom To Career: Amber Allen

What does it mean to make a lasting difference in education—and how can the right support help educators grow into leaders? In this interview, Amber Allen, assistant principal at Oakleaf Elementary, shares her journey into education and how Utah Valley University helped prepare her for a rewarding career. After discovering her passion for teaching through volunteering with the Junior Achievement Program, Amber pursued her bachelor’s degree at UVU and later returned to earn her master’s degree. Amber reflects on how both programs prepared her for success, from gaining hands-on classroom experience across different grade levels to learning from experienced educators and building a professional network. She also discusses how earning her master’s degree opened doors to educational leadership, allowing her to support teachers, work more closely with families, and help improve educational programs. Throughout her career, Amber has learned that **relationships and collaboration are at the heart of successful education**. She shares how working with colleagues, learning from mistakes, and finding solutions together can make a meaningful difference for students and teachers alike. Amber also offers advice to future educators: be patient with yourself, give yourself grace, learn from observing other teachers, and take opportunities to understand the bigger picture of how schools operate. Although the journey can be challenging, she believes the rewards of working with children and contributing to their future make it worthwhile. For Amber, education is about more than teaching lessons. It is about supporting the people who make learning possible, building strong communities, and being part of something that makes the world better. She credits UVU’s School of Education with helping her build the skills, relationships, and confidence to make that difference. #UVU #UtahValleyUniversity #SchoolOfEducation #Education #EducationalLeadership #AssistantPrincipal #Teaching #FutureEducators #TeacherSupport #HigherEducation