Allison Cresap: 'These families were me, so I understand'

Allison Cresap

La Mesa School

5th grade teacher

Not many teachers can match the number of location moves the students of La Mesa School have made in their education journey. But as part of a military family herself, teacher Allison Cresap, who also goes by Allie, has done just that.

Allie has been teaching at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and La Mesa School for seven years. Prior to MPUSD, Allie, her husband who is in the military, and her two children moved around to five schools before they graduated high school. Over the past 22 years, she has taught in Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, and now California.

“I wanted to be at a school especially La Mesa because I understand the culture of the military and the students that move,” she says. “I loved La Mesa because I heard the school and MPUSD really honor those students that we get from all those diverse backgrounds and cultures and I just really wanted to be part of that.”

Allie sees herself and her family in the students and families she serves.

 

“These families were me so I understand,” she says. She brings the military-connected perspective to her team, and it is also a good reminder to herself.

 

“Sometimes what looks like is happening in the classroom might just be that adjustment of missing friends and I pull that into our community through classroom conversations,” she says.

Allie knew she always wanted to be a teacher. Her best friend’s mom was a teacher, and together they spent a lot of time in the classroom after school.

 

“It’s always been the kids,” she says.”They just inspire. They show you a new way of looking at things. The joy that they bring. The excitement for learning and when they get something for the first time you just can’t match that.”

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for Allie is empowering her students to become independent problem solvers. Witnessing her students take charge of their own learning brings her joy as she moves around the classroom listening to their collaboration. She says, being present to guide them through challenges amplifies their sense of ownership in the learning process.

Allie is inspired by her colleagues and feels honored to be part of the La Mesa team. She shares that there are so many inspiring individuals at La Mesa whom she admires, and being among them is a truly humbling experience.

Outside of work, Allie and her husband enjoy traveling, paddle boarding, swimming, running, and hiking. Her children are now adults living across the country.