MADISON – While ‘structure’ is important in her physical education classes, Allison Daugherty tries her best to get to know each individual student and nurture a relationship for a warm classroom environment. Daugherty is “Teacher of the Year” at West Madison Elementary School.

“I want students to feel comfortable in gym/my class, regardless of what activity or skill we are doing that day,” Daugherty said. “Being a PE teacher and having so many students at one time, I do have to keep a very structured classroom setting to keep everyone safe but engaged.”

Daugherty has worked in education for 11 years, in both private schools (American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa and Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville) and public schools (James Clemens High School, West Madison Elementary School).

“I began in Madison City Schools as permanent sub at James Clemens in 2012 and just finished my sixth year at West Madison,” Daugherty said.

At West Madison, she assisted the Good News Club, ES2S (Student 2 Student), House Leadership and Counseling Committee. Daugherty felt fulfillment after establishing the Archery Club and secured grant money for archery equipment to shoot both in PE class and an after-school club.

“Archery provides an opportunity for students who may not always be involved in recreational sports, such as basketball or baseball,” Daugherty said. “We’ve had many students who began shooting in elementary school, fell in love with it and are still shooting for middle and high school archery teams.”

A Decatur native, Daugherty graduated from West Morgan High School and attended Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa on a softball scholarship. “I played college softball and was the Female Student Athlete of the Year in 2006 at Shelton State,” she said.

Daugherty earned a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Alabama.

Her husband A.J. Daugherty is Head Softball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Their nine-year-old son Connor attends West Madison and daughter Caroline, 3, attends Somerville Baptist Learning Center.

“I enjoy watching my kids play sports and hanging out at the pool and beach with friends and family. I also enjoy going to Disney World with family and friends,” Daugherty said.