After spending more than a quarter century as a teacher and school counselor with a focus and passion for serving at-risk students, Allison Mathews pulled her wealth of experience into a new role: Pupil Personnel Worker. For the last 11 years, she has approached every situation with expertise and empathy, working tirelessly to put in place meaningful solutions to help students and their families.
At Broadneck High School and now at Corkran Middle School, Mathews’ impact has been so profound it has earned her the 2025-2026 Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker of the Year award from the Maryland Association of Pupil Personnel.
“I am so honored to receive the PPW of the Year Award for the State of Maryland,” Mathews said. “Over the past 11 years as a Pupil Personnel Worker, I have learned so much from my supervisors and colleagues, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support families and students in Anne Arundel County. I believe the importance of supporting children and families both inside and outside the school building cannot be overstated. Each day reminds me how meaningful this work is and how important it is to ensure all students feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed," Jones wrote.
Mathews spent two years teaching in Baltimore County at the outset of her career and then moved to Glen Burnie High School, where she taught English for eight years. She spent the next eight years in Glen Burnie’s counseling department before moving to Annapolis High School and then Severn River Middle School. She began serving as a Pupil Personnel Worker in 2015.
Mathews has also had a significant impact through her leadership of the Power of One mentor program, where she has served as program manager. in this role, she has coordinated supports and meaningful activities for unaccompanied homeless youth, providing them with stability, connection, and encouragement during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Her work in this program reflects her deep commitment to uplifting vulnerable students and ensuring they have the relationships and resources necessary to thrive.
At the heart of Mathews’ work is her “her extraordinary ability to connect with students and families,” Laurie Jones, AACPS’ Coordinator of Pupil Personnel, wrote in a nomination letter for Mathews. “She approaches every family with care and compassion, never judging their circumstances but instead focusing on how to best support them. This approach builds trust and fosters meaningful relationships, which are critical in helping families navigate difficult situations. Families continue to reach out to Mrs. Mathews long after initial contact because they know she will remain persistent in helping them access the resources they need. Her follow-through and dedication set her apart, ensuring that no family feels forgotten or unsupported.”