When newly graduated Shanise Allen talks about becoming a teacher, there’s this unmistakable spark in her voice, the kind that comes from knowing you’re stepping into the work you were meant to do. Long before she ever set foot in her first methods course, she already knew where she wanted her path to lead: a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a university that would pour into her as much as she planned to pour into her future students. That clarity is what brought her to the University of North Alabama.
UNA’s reputation for preparing strong, insightful educators wasn’t just something she’d heard about, it was something she felt from day one. She describes UNA’s education program as “outstanding,” not just because of the academics, but because the learning actually shifts you. “I knew that UNA has an outstanding education program that I would learn a lot to help me become the best teacher that I can be,” she says. That confidence has carried her through every practicum, every classroom observation, and every late-night study session.
And the growth hasn’t stopped at coursework. Shanise found herself stepping into leadership roles she never expected, moments where she got to practice the kind of initiative, poise, and creativity that great teachers rely on every single day. “UNA has prepared me for the many leadership opportunities that I have been able to have,” she shares. Whether she’s coordinating with peers, engaging with faculty mentors, or taking on responsibilities in the field, she’s already operating like the educator she’s becoming.
Looking ahead, Shanise isn’t slowing down. After a few years of teaching, she plans to return to UNA to pursue an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership, with her sights set on becoming an administrator. It’s a path rooted in service, shaping classrooms now, shaping schools later. And she trusts the university that prepared her once to prepare her again. Her favorite way to sum it up is simple, but powerful:
“UNA does not just teach you; it prepares you for your career.”
For students who want to make an impact—whether in classrooms, communities, or entire school districts, Shanise’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when you choose a university that believes in your potential as much as you do.