50 Under 50 Bio
Timothy Allison is an African American educator for Birmingham City Schools. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Allison and his immediate family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1999 to start a new life after his father was incarcerated. Growing up in the Collegeville neighborhood, he overcame many adversities and fell in love with education as a child. School was his "safe place," and education was his "getaway" His favorite education quote is, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
After the death of his brother during his senior year of high school in 2013, Allison decided that he wanted to go into a profession where he could help people, especially young people. During his matriculation at Miles College, he studied Biology to become a neurosurgeon. That changed in 2015 when he started conducting observation hours at local elementary schools in Fairfield, Alabama. Allison discovered that his calling was to become an educator. He believes that children are the future, but educators are the hope. Since becoming an educator, he has never looked back. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Miles College, a Master’s Degree in Special Education (K-12) from Jacksonville State University, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) from The University of West Alabama. Currently, Allison is working on a doctorate at Samford University and National Board Certification. His accomplishments include: Valedictorian of Carver High School (Class of 2014), Salutatorian of Miles College (Class of 2018), Teacher of the Year for Sun Valley Elementary School (2022), and Teacher of the Year-Finalist for Birmingham City Schools (2022).
Allison is a proud Christian! He is a God-fearing man and believes that God is the head of his life. Outside of school, he loves spending time with family, watching documentaries, and conducting research on strategies to increase student achievement. He serves on the Teacher Advisory Committee at Stillman College and works as a Teacher Leader/ Liaison for the Alabama Teacher Growth Program. Allison also is a (life) member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society, and Alabama Education Association.