Dr. Amanda H. Allen, Executive Director of Social and Emotional Learning for Johnston County Public Schools, has been named the Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education’s Educator of the Year.
Allen was recognized by the Poe Center for her educational awareness work in human trafficking and overall social and emotional learning work.
“I am honored and excited to receive this award. This brings attention to the great strides we’ve made over the past 18 months to bring attention to human trafficking and ways in which this global crisis can be mitigated, said Allen. “This award is also a reminder of the learning opportunities that have been afforded to JCPS students, staff, and families through the amazing work done by the Poe Center! I’m extremely fortunate to work with dedicated people in our school system and within our community to serve our students.”
According to the Poe Center, Allen has done a great deal of work for Johnston County Public Schools in regards to social and emotional learning.
This school year she teamed up with local counseling agencies, Hope Services and Easterseals, to provide counseling services to students who may not have been able to access these services outside of school hours. This also provided all-around services to help the schools work with children in an additional capacity.
Allen also collaborated with the Poe Center to implement a human trafficking awareness curriculum in district, which aims to better educate students on human trafficking prevention and awareness. She also planned and hosted Human Trafficking awareness trainings for school staff.
“We join the Poe Center in honoring and celebrating Dr. Allen. Her resourcefulness and drive as a professional is unmatched, and she is the personification of servant leadership. This recognition is well-earned and deserved,” said Crystal Roberts, Chief of Equity, Information and Student Services.
