Leader, Educator Joins TTU K-12 to Shape the Leaders of Tomorrow

By Joshua Blount, Senior Writer

From a young age, we are taught the importance of education and how it is essential for a successful future. We are taught to work hard, stay focused and to be a good leader. Braxton Allison, new assistant principal, embodies these qualities and looks forward to demonstrating his capacity as a leader for TTU K-12.

Braxton began his journey into teaching as a part-time substitute teacher. He taught part-time while earning his bachelor's degree from Lubbock Christian University and started his first full-time teaching position in the fall of 2011. He spent nine years in education teaching physical education to all grade-levels, as well as middle school social studies, high school history and teen leadership in both a traditional and virtual setting. After earning his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership he started his tenure with TTU K-12.

"Two years ago, I switched gears and decided to pursue virtual education. I had been teaching and coaching, and I was looking for an opportunity to get out of coaching, focus on myself as an educator and find more flexibility to be available to my own kids. I had heard about the TTU K-12 program since I was in school, but in transitioning to virtual education, I began to learn more about the different organizations and programs available. I learned quickly that TTU K-12 was one of the premier programs in the world, and I knew that if I had the opportunity to get my foot in the door, I had to take it."

Braxton grew up in a home where educational success was a top priority. Having an educator as a parent meant that Braxton had to be focused on education in and outside of the classroom all the time. His rigorous upbringing, however, helped to lead him to his passion for teaching.

"My dad is a teacher and a coach, and education has always been part of my family's lifestyle. School was not just a place I had to go to everyday, it was literally what our livelihood revolved around. When I began college, I intended to become an athletic trainer or a sports psychologist, but about halfway through my bachelor's I felt this strong call to pursue education instead. I'm grateful that I made the change, as much as I love sports and wanted to be involved with it, my passion for education has really flourished. Ultimately, you know you're doing what you're supposed to when you love it and you have true passion for it."

As assistant principal, Braxton works directly with TTU K-12 international partnerships. He serves as liaison between partner schools and internal departments to ensure that everyone's needs are met in terms of service and to uphold academic expectations and policies. His day-to-day duties include administrative tasks, planning, program review, management, policy enforcement and teacher support.

Braxton feels that his greatest satisfaction is in the service he provides for teachers and staff, students, and families.

"As an administrator, my satisfaction comes from feeling like I have truly provided good service and support to someone else, especially in situations that are more stressful. If we have a student who is struggling and I can help them figure out a plan, help them get back on track, then I feel like I am serving my purpose. Likewise, I do what I can to help the teachers feel like they have the tools they need to succeed, whether I am helping to train or mentor someone, or be a support system and resource."

Braxton offers a piece of advice for students navigating their educational career.

"As cliché as it may sound, do not be afraid of failure. We are human and we make mistakes. It is true that I have learned more from the mistakes that I have made than from my successes, and those mistakes have helped me to identify the areas where I can and should grow. The caveat to that is to not delight in failure either. Failure is not something we should be content with or be defined by; rather, it should be used as a tool to make ourselves better."