Staff Spotlight: Allyn Fujan-Computer Science Specialist & Academic Interventionist at Brownell

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Allyn Fujan, computer science specialist and academic interventionist at Brownell Elementary School.

“Allyn has served almost her entire teaching career at Brownell! She even student taught at Brownell and was a long-term sub at Brownell. She is beginning her 18th year of teaching here at Brownell. Allyn is a dedicated staff member and remains ‘all in’ everyday for her colleagues and for students!” Nikosia Kruse, Brownell Elementary School principal.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
My mornings are spent with third through fifth grade intervention small groups. My afternoons are spent teaching computer science.  

How long have you worked for LPS?
I student-taught here at Brownell in the spring of 2006. I have remained at Brownell ever since. I taught third grade for a year, second grade for eight and fourth grade for three. When our former comp science teacher retired, I expressed an interest in switching to a specialist position. This is my sixth year as our computer science specialist and academic interventionist.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I love that Brownell is this small but mighty school in the "city." It gives me the small-town feel that I had hoped for, but with the support of the district. I know every single student in the building. I know their stories, their successes, their struggles and I can help them overcome the obstacles and celebrate their achievements. I know their older siblings and in a few cases, I even taught their parents!

I have that amazing "small town" feeling with our staff too. We support one another. We step in and class cover without complaining. We make copies. We send reminders. We stop and get coffee for team members on the way to school. We check in on others while their family members are sick or attend weddings. It's just that support and camaraderie that Brownell has that brought me here in the first place, and has kept me here for so long.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
Fostering positive relationships with students and witnessing their growth, maturity and ability to overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator. Working with great colleagues has been an enriching and fulfilling experience.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up on an acreage outside Wahoo. I attended Wahoo Public Schools K-12.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I was accepted to the Primarily Math program at UNL while I was teaching second grade. I went on to finish my master’s degree and graduated in August 2013.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love the options available for my own kids within the Lincoln community. I love the inclusivity of the community. I love the available programs for students and adults alike. It's a great place to live, work and raise kids.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
There are SO MANY I could name! My student-teaching cooperating teacher, Patti Brown, was so inspiring to me! I learned so much from her about teaching and being a part of the school community. She helped me open doors in "real life" too! I am so thankful for her guidance and trust. The experience I got in her classroom was so very influential in the teacher I have become 18 years later.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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