Lady Allen – First Primary School Teacher to Receive an M.B.E
Lady Allen was born in 1893 in Montserrat. Her father, Police Sergeant Michael Locker, relocated his family to St. Kitts and worked at the Dieppe Bay Police Station. Coming to St. Kitts at the age of 12, Annie Locker embarked on her educational path, attending Bethel Moravian School and later becoming a pupil teacher at Dieppe Bay Methodist School. The role of a pupil teacher meant she had to balance teaching a class while also receiving tutoring from the head teacher to prepare for yearly examinations, a requirement for advancement in her career.
Her dedication was evident in her pursuit of education, despite the modest pay she received as a pupil teacher. The meager income underscores the sacrifices individuals like Annie made in pursuit of education and career advancement during that time.
Throughout her teaching career, Annie’s family relocated multiple times due to her father’s job transfers, leading her to teach in different primary schools across St. Kitts. Despite the challenges posed by these relocations, she continued her educational journey and pursued her passion for teaching.
Annie’s life took a significant turn when she earned a scholarship to the Spring Gardens Teachers’ College in Antigua. This accomplishment highlights her academic prowess and dedication to her profession. The Spring Gardens Teachers’ College in Antigua was a prestigious institution that provided training for female teachers in the Leeward Islands. Winning a scholarship to this college was a remarkable achievement and a testament to Annie’s hard work and commitment to her career.
Her tenure as head teacher at Sandy Point Girls’ School from 1927 to 1944 was marked by innovation and a commitment to providing practical education to her students. Despite taking leave to accompany her husband Sir Milton Pentonville Allen, (Governor of the Associated State of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla) to New York in 1937, she continued her own studies at Columbia University, focusing on teaching and industrial arts.
Mrs. Allen’s awareness of the gap between theory and practical application in the education system led her to personally provide materials and equipment for teaching domestic science and embroidery at her school. Her dedication to enriching her students’ educational experience extended to organising school concerts, for which her husband supplied published sheet music.
Moreover, she was a pioneer in establishing the first Girl Guides Company in the rural area, aiming to foster self-worth and personal development among young women. Her emphasis on broadening horizons and active participation resonated with her students, many of whom came from working-class backgrounds.
Mrs. Allen’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as she actively participated in cultural events and maintained close relationships across various social classes. Her appointment as head teacher of Basseterre Girls’ School in 1945 further solidified her impact on education in St. Kitts, where she continued to promote extracurricular activities and community engagement.
Her contributions to education and community service were recognised when she became the first primary school teacher to receive the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE), in 1951. Even after her retirement from formal education in 1953, Mrs. Allen remained actively involved in social and church work, serving as Guide Commissioner and supporting her husband during his tenure as Governor.
Her legacy of dedication, leadership, and service continued even in retirement, as evidenced by her desire to host events for retired teachers at Government House. Lady Allen’s impact on education and community development in St. Kitts remains profound, a testament to her lifelong commitment to empowering others and fostering positive change.
FASCINATING FACT
Beach Allen Primary School holds a unique history, named after two distinguished head teachers, Mr. Samuel Gillie Beach and Mrs. Annie Locker Allen, who had significant contributions to education, particularly at the respective Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. This naming commemorates their dedication and service to education.
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