From her own educational experiences, Allysha knows that teachers who foster self-awareness, self-reflection and critical thinking empower students to engage with their peers and community. She is very excited to join Generation Citizen because she believes that helping young people see that their participation in civic and political life matters is key to realizing the democratic ideals laid out in the founding documents of our country.

Prior to coming to Generation Citizen, Allysha spent several years working with nonprofit organizations on issues ranging from affordable housing to workforce development and earning a Master of Public Policy from Brandeis University. She decided to switch to a teaching career to help future voters have the critical thinking skills and political efficacy necessary to tackle these problems at the systemic level. In pursuit of this dream, she earned her Master’s in American Studies from UMass Boston where her research focused on the development and implementation of civics education during the Progressive Era. She previously taught project-based 7/8 grade social studies in charter schools and high school history with students in institutional settings. Culturally responsive teaching practices that focus on developing deep learning partnerships with students and strengthening their independent learning skills were central to Allysha’s pedagogy. She is very eager to integrate her knowledge and experiences in policy, program management, and teaching in her work with Generation Citizen.

Outside of work, Allysha loves to sing, play piano, practice yoga, play fetch with her dog, and spend time in Maine with her partner.