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02/07/2024 08:30 AMNancy McAllister has three favorite things in life: laughing, children, and music. Based on those criteria, it’s no surprise that Nancy says, “I have the perfect job” as the chorus teacher at Joel Elementary School in Clinton.
Nancy has been the music teacher at Joel since the 1986-’87 school year.
“I did one year of teaching in Norwalk while a teacher was on maternity leave, and then the job in Clinton opened, and I’ve been here since. Thank goodness, too; I’ve loved it,” Nancy says.
At Joel, Nancy teaches kids from kindergarten to fourth grade. That entails not only teaching the students in school but also special concerts in the fall and spring, town events, and even special performances outside of town. In fact, on Sunday, Feb. 18, the third and fourth grade chorus will perform the National Anthem at a Bridgeport Sound Tigers game.
“It’s a whole big family event and a great time. Their parents will bring them to the game; I’ll get them ready, the kids will sing, then we go back to our own section and watch the game. There’sTheres’ not a lot of hockey out this way, so it’s a great time, especially for the kids that play holey or are fans, too. The kids always do a great job and are very proud of it,” Nancy says.
Additionally, on Friday, Feb. 23, at 9:30 a.m., the school will host its “100th Day Celebration.”
Nancy explains that over the month of February, the school will kick off a drive to collect hundreds of items for local charities.
“The heads of those organizations will come to our assembly on the 23rd, at which we will sing many songs about caring, kindness, taking care of others, being a good neighbor, and about being small but still able to make a big difference in the world when we dream and work together. The celebration is quite moving with children’s voices singing such powerful words and messages. They learn to think and feel beyond themselves. The charity folks are always touched and grateful,” Nancy says.
Nancy’s interest in music began early in life while growing up in West Haven. When she was in the third grade, her parents asked if she was interested in taking piano lessons after they noticed she had an affinity for the instrument.
“Being one of 11 kids, I knew that was a big struggle, so I said, ‘ok, I should really take this seriously,’” Nancy recalls.
As she got a bit older, Nancy began to develop an interest in school as well and knew she wanted to combine her two passions of education and music.
“I always loved school and knew I wanted to work at a school. I never wanted to be a performer; I wanted to teach music,” Nancy says.
When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Nancy doesn’t hesitate before replying, “The kids, without a doubt. Young kids can do so much when they are allowed to. They develop love and confidence, and I get to see that growth.”
Nancy is quick to credit her colleagues, past and current, for making the school feel more like a home than a workplace.
“My amazing colleagues make it feel like a family, both the ones I still work with and the ones that retired. I leave work every day saying how lucky I am to work here,” Nancy says.
When she’s not working, Nancy can be found enjoying the beach, reading, gardening, or spending time with friends and family.
Nancy grew up in West Haven but has lived in Clinton since 1997. To say she’s fond of the town would be an understatement.
“The people and community, the way people come together to help out in town, is what I love most. Even just walking in Clinton is just beautiful,” Nancy says.
In particular, Nancy is also happy for the opportunities offered to her family in Clinton.
“There’s so much my husband, Mike, and our kids, Patrick and Megan, do to help me at school. Our kids have thrived by being in this town. To this day, they say they’re thankful to have grown up here,” Nancy says.
“I feel really feel like I lucked out being in this great community.”