Hello, my name is Allison Miles, and I am the sixth grade science teacher at Charles R.  Drew Middle School. I have thirty-one years of teaching experience. For the last fifteen years, I have taught in the Talladega County School System.  This past school year I earned my STEM Certification from the National Institute for STEM Education.    

    I absolutely love science, especially the hands-on learning that is part of our curriculum.  This inquiry-based learning allows students to attach a concrete experience to an abstract science concept, which allows for better understanding.  In my opinion, science rocks!  

    As an AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) science teacher and trainer, I am able to provide my students with a rigorous curriculum that is hands-on and inquiry-based.  The students in my class learn by “doing.” I am also a NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) science trainer, and I am NMSI (National Math and Science Initiative) trained. 

     My favorite thing about my childhood was going to summer camp at YMCA Camp Cosby in Alpine, Alabama, and later working there as a counselor.  At camp I developed a love of the outdoors and the desire to teach. Once graduating from Homewood High School, I attended the University of Alabama.  There I majored in education and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. 

     Currently, I live on Cheaha Mountain near the state park with my husband, Steven, and my 4 dogs and 2 cats.  I have two grown children, Emma and Dylan. My husband owns a print shop in Heflin called Pinhoti Printing.

    When I am not working, I spend most of my time running.  Running is my other love.  Long distance, endurance races are my specialty.  My motto is “The farther, the better.” Working as the Cross Country coach at Lincoln High School for the past eight years has allowed me to encourage the next generation of runners in our community.    Other hobbies that I have are hiking, camping, kayaking, “junkin,”and reading.