Quarter-Finalist

Mary Beth Allen

Teaching is empowering students to explore new ideas, build confidence, embrace others, and guide them to discover their unique strengths.

Currently 1

in the Quarter-Finals
LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

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Tell us why you became a teacher

“I became a teacher because of my high school auto shop teacher, Mr. Riley. He made learning fun, kept every student engaged, and created a classroom where kids wanted to be. Former students constantly returned to thank him for changing their lives. Auto shop wasn’t my favorite subject, but Mr. Riley made me love it. His ability to earn trust and respect showed me that when students feel valued, they can enjoy learning anything.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my favorite teaching memories was in my first few years when my sixth graders wrote song lyrics for a band called Uncommon Tom. The band turned their favorite lyrics into a song and performed a live concert at the school. As they threw T-shirts into the crowd and the kids screamed, I thought it might be my last day teaching, it was MAYHEM—but instead, it became an unforgettable experience for all of us.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Like most teachers, I’ve spent my own money—and even mastered dumpster diving—to give my students what they need. Growing as an educator costs time, money, and family sacrifices. Winning $25,000 would crush my student debt, give my family some vacay time they deserve. I would love to celebrate with my colleagues, community, and mentors — because teaching is never a solo job.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Mary Beth Allen become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.

Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Wed 4/16 at 9PM PDT


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