- January 3, 2025
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Allison Cencebaugh taught an inclusion kindergarten class for five years at Wadsworth Elementary School. She integrated the Guy Harvey Foundation STEM standards encompassing marine science literacy and ocean conservation into her lesson plans, and her accomplishments were recognized in a Spotlight at a Flagler County School Board meeting.
This year, she accepted a position in the Behavior Cluster Program teaching Exceptional Student Education students with a focus on Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and autism.
“The shift has been incredibly rewarding, and I truly enjoy working with these exceptional students,” said Cencebaugh, who is Wadsworth’s Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Kimberli Halliday, Flagler Schools’ director of ESE, wrote in her letter of recommendation to the district’s Teacher of the Year Selection Committee that she has received emails from district and outside legal counsel praising “the quality of Cencebaugh’s Individualized Education Programs, data-driven decision recommendations and undeniable passion for student success.
“Those kinds of accolades do not come often in the world of ESE and supporting students with significant behavioral challenges,” Halliday wrote.
Cencebaugh said she was “shocked and deeply honored” to be be named Wadsworth’s Teacher of the Year.
“This recognition is one of the highest honors I could imagine, and it holds profound meaning for me,” she said. “Being surrounded by so many exceptional educators on my campus, I feel truly humbled and tremendously grateful for this acknowledgment.”
She said helping her students move from disengagement to an enthusiasm for learning has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
I firmly believe that the power of knowledge is fundamental to personal growth and success, and it is a privilege to share this with my students.
— ALLISON CENCEBAUGH, WES Teacher of the Year
“I firmly believe that the power of knowledge is fundamental to personal growth and success, and it is a privilege to share this with my students. Inspiring a love for learning is, without a doubt, one of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching,” she said.
One such experience came at the end of a five-year journey mentoring a student with the highest referral rate in the school.
“Through ongoing mentorship and support, (the student’s) behavioral data improved by 87%, and their time spent in school increased by 50%,” Cencebaugh said. “Additionally, they began participating in afterschool activities, further enhancing their engagement and connection to the school community. Witnessing their transformation — developing a love for school and overcoming personal challenges — has had a profound and lasting impact on their life. This experience highlights the immense power of our profession and the meaningful influence we have in shaping our students’ futures.”
Outside of school, Cencebaugh said she is a huge animal lover and values her time spent with family.
“If there is an animal in need I can’t stray from helping it,” she said. “I am also fortunate enough to have a big family and we are all very close. Time with my family is priceless and something I never take for granted.”
