Her Story
About Katy
Katy Allis is an education leader who has been professionally active in the field since 2008. She currently serves as Principal at Fort Worth ISD, where she is in her fourth year leading staff through a state takeover and turnaround efforts that improved school accountability scores from 50 to 65. Her background includes serving as an assistant principal, which she describes as her favorite role due to direct campus support, as well as classroom teaching. She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University, a master's from Dallas Baptist University, and a doctorate from TCU last year.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say the Lord first. My compass is definitely my values rooted in God's Word. Second is my upbringing - my parents worked with homeless people my entire life and taught me the only thing that mattered was how you treated people. Third is my grandfather who was the first in Alabama to hire an African-American woman as secretary and advocated for fairness and excellence. Also my great-grandmother who showed determination by fighting a snake to win a fishing competition.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay humble and work hard. That was a placard my first mentor-teacher gave me. People respond well when you are humble and working hard. In education you should always be humble enough to be a student first and still be in a learner mode.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include being in a state takeover at Fort Worth ISD and maintaining excellence while learning a new model. Opportunities include being more published in educational journals and doing more writing around topics like hurry versus sense of urgency.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity - being human in this work and authentic with staff, parents, and students. Integrity - protecting dignity and making the right decisions even when eyes are not on me. Leaving a ripple effect so that anyone who encounters me is inspired to do better.
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