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As the fourth largest district out of 501 districts in
the Commonwealth,
ASD is a major force in the City of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley with
over 18,500 students, 2,000 employees, 22 schools and an annual
budget of approximately $190,000,000. ASD schools educate a diverse
population with students from over 43 countries speaking 26
languages. The District qualifies for significant Title I funding with
two-thirds of the student population offered free or subsidized lunch.
Traditional educational practices blend with new reforms in education
to address a diverse community of learners in a caring environment.
ASD educators utilize a standardized, district-wide instructional calendar
with consistent teaching practices from school to school to assist
students who move on a frequent basis. Diversity is our strength.
Progressive recruitment, mentoring and professional development
opportunities are available to educators who seek to make a difference
in the lives of ASD students.
Perspectives by ASD
Professionals
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“I feel that
each child can succeed in his or her
capacity, and as a teacher in ASD, I am given a
chance to prove that everyday. It may be something
as small as learning one sight word or math fact, but to
that student and to me—it means the world.”
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Audra
Bittner
Grade 2 Teacher
Washington Elementary School
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Luke
Shafnisky
Grade 9 Teacher, Biology
William Allen High School
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“As a teacher in a large urban district, I feel a
genuine shared sense of purpose. Because of the challenges
that we face, we are motivated to share experiences and
support each other.”
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“Students want their teachers to teach them as if they were
their own children! They need their teachers to have a
passion to help them become successful. They need their
teachers to provide a classroom environment that encourages
active learning and high expectations. They need to know
that their teachers are real people who care about them!” |
Sue McNeil
Pre-K Teacher
Roosevelt Elementary School
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Michael P.
Bolinsky
Grade 9 Teacher, United States History
William Allen High School
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“One of the rewards to working in an urban district is the
exposure to a high level of student diversity, providing
many opportunities to inspire and impact students to reach
success both academically and socially.” |
“Working in Allentown can be very rewarding.
I have the privilege of working with many dedicated and
caring teachers across the district. Even with all the
federal and state mandates placed on the teachers, they
continue to serve for the best interests of the students.
The students are very appreciative of any attention they
get. They will give lots of hugs and affection. I truly
enjoy coming to work in the morning.” |
Marcia A.
Vega
ESOL Facilitator |
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Kimberly
Filipovits
Grade 7 Teacher, Reading
South Mountain Middle School |
“I feel that
I can make a difference
not only in my subject area, but also
in teaching my students new ways of
thinking in their overall lives. I think
I have turned many students on to
reading, and I know they have developed
a more positive attitude about
themselves.” |
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