Talmage Allen will be joining his eighth grade son on Wednesday, Aug. 10 for the first day of school.
The father of four, however, will not just be joining his son at Oakdale Junior High School on the first day, but every day thereafter for the 2016-17 school year as he steps into the role of OJHS Vice Principal. A decision, he shared, which was approved by his son prior to his accepting the position.
Allen joins Oakdale Joint Unified School District as he enters into his 12th year as an educator. His prior experience includes six years of teaching at Escalon High School, three years as Assistant Principal at EHS and most recently two years as Principal of Van Allen Elementary.
“I’ve seen the scope of where they’ve come from and where they need to go,” Allen said of the OJHS students, as he recalled his past 11 years in education. “I’m very excited.”
The newly appointed Vice Principal earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He achieved his Masters Degree in Education Administration from California State University Stanislaus. He also holds an Associates Degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting from BYU-Idaho, an interest which played a part in his choice to pursue a career in education.
“As a Mechanical Drafting student in college, I started assisting the professors for their beginning and advanced drafting students,” he said, “and then also worked as a lab assistant. I realized I loved teaching.”
As a community member with three of his four children in Oakdale schools, the administrator shared his excitement about working in the community that he also calls home.
“Things are becoming more real,” he said late last week, following the OJHS Round Up event. “Seeing kids from the neighborhood at Round-Up. It’s fun to both know people and be the new guy.
“I’m a member of the Oakdale community and love the community and what it stands for,” he added. “I have been impressed with the District and the great families in the community.”
The Vice Principal shared his appreciation for the vision and work of the OJUSD, noting his excitement as he becomes an active member of the team.
“I am excited to work with a great team of teachers and administrators,” he said. “I want to do what is best for kids. I enjoy working and associating with the youth. I feel it is my role to help set them up for future success.
“As they do their best they will learn that it takes hard work, dedication, determination and grit. As they do those things they will learn that greatness lies within them and that they have the choice to be great.”