David Allen started at ETHS in 1994 as a U.S. history teacher. Today, he teaches AP Psychology, a course he helped bring to the school 16 years ago and is now the most popular senior AP course. He introduced both AP Psychology and Senior Studies to ETHS. 

“I taught a course called Senior Studies, which did not make it past the pandemic, but it was the most rewarding class to teach,” said Allen.

In Senior Studies, Allen would teach around 60 students at once. During the first semester, they covered thematic topics, and for the second semester, students completed independent study projects.

Allen said his years at ETHS have passed quickly as he prepares to retire. 

“There’s that old cliche, right? A lot of parents use it. It’s long days and short years, and I think that works for teaching too, “said Allen. ” I think it’s going pretty quickly, especially in the last five or seven years.”

Even though he loves teaching, Allen is thrilled to spend more time with his family in retirement.

“I’m very excited to spend some more time that’s not bound by work deadlines with my brother and his family and my cousins and their families,” said Allen. “My wife is going to retire in one or two more years, so between now and then, I will be tending to the house, making sure the meals are prepared for her and taking care of the new dog we adopted this summer.” 

After 32 years at ETHS, Allen looks back on his teaching years with purpose and nostalgia.

“It’s important to do two things: be an expert in what you do and make meaningful relationships with kids,” said Allen. “I think I’ve grown into that, and I try to live that.”