Allyson McGraw

A native of Bruce, MS, Allyson McGraw is an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded educator with more than 20 years of experience in elementary education. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi, Allyson began her teaching career in Tupelo Public Schools. She spent 22 years teaching first and second grade at Joyner Elementary, where she incorporated art into her classroom to create engaging learning experiences and support students across a variety of academic levels.

After 22 years teaching 1st and 2nd grade, Allyson took a position as Visual Arts Specialist at Pierce Street Elementary School, where she teaches students in 3rd–5th grade. Her passion for creativity and the arts has been a consistent part of her teaching career, including her involvement in the Mississippi Whole Schools Arts Initiative. In 2023, she was part of the team that led her school to receive the distinguished honor of being named a Mississippi Whole School/Art Model School Site.

Throughout her career, Allyson has been recognized for her dedication to education, receiving the Star Polisher New Teacher Award in 2005 and the Teacher of Distinction Award in 2014. She has also received multiple AEE grants and has served as a mentor teacher and supervising teacher for University of Mississippi teacher interns.

Beyond the classroom, Allyson is passionate about serving her community. She has volunteered with organizations and initiatives including Sprout Patch, The Orchard Church’s Summer SALT Reading Program, the Joyner Neighborhood Garden Tour/Project, and Fabric of Hope, where she has served on the Board of Directors. Her background in education, creativity, and community involvement continues to shape her approach to teaching and the arts. A mother of two, Jacey is in her fourth year as an educator and Speech/Language Pathologist and Lilli is a Junior at UM pursuing a degree in education as well.