Hello!  My name is Maria Allen but I go by Maru Allen.  I was born in Puerto Rico and spoke Spanish until I was five years old.  Since I began learning English, I haven't stopped talking.  This school year will be my 29th year teaching Spanish.  I have taught in South Carolina and Georgia.  I have taught in mostly middle and high schools and can't wait to connect with elementary students this year in FIVE. 

I have two young adults who no longer live in my home, Katherine and Rachael.  Katherine is 24, married and lives in Georgia with her husband.  Rachael is finishing up her career studies here in Columbia at Paul Mitchell, working towards a Cosmetology license. My husband, Roger, works at a church in the area, which is what brought us back to South Carolina after 20 years of living in Georgia.  The last member of the family is my dog, Bandit.  He helps me teach every day! 

I love teaching, but my passion is children.  I love the interaction and socialization of young people and helping them see the potential they have as they grow to become young adults.  I love to guide them in new directions and think about others from a different perspective. My job is to open doors to the possibilities around them and help them see how they can join in or even create new possibilities for others. 

I look forward to partnering with you to love and grow our children every day to become successful, innovative young adults.