Principal Braxton Allison has earned his doctoral degree in education.

When Braxton Allison entered college, he planned to go into sports medicine, which included physical education training. That’s where he discovered his love for education.

Instead of switching over to education entirely, he stayed in exercise science and transitioned to physical education. Over the years he coached and taught physical education at all grade levels, as well as middle school social studies, high school history and teen leadership in both the traditional and virtual settings.

Allison never intended to be a coach, but it was something he had the background knowledge to do and was coupled with a high interest in taking on social studies education. 

A master’s degree, many years and a plethora of experience later, he completed a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Design and Technology this spring.

Superintendent Robert Bayard asserted that earning a doctoral degree is a significant achievement requiring growth in critical thinking, research and analytical skills and communication and resilience, qualities that Allison has long demonstrated. 

“We are incredibly proud of Braxton’s accomplishments,” Bayard said. “This degree will help him continue leading Texas Tech K-12 with those same qualities, along with a strong commitment to continuous learning, thoughtful refinement and sustained growth.”

As of June 1, Allison has been with Texas Tech K-12 for six years. He was excited to join the team because of his previous experience working in online K-12 education. He knew Texas Tech K-12 had a great reputation; the opportunity to work for and with the program was exciting and felt like a natural fit for his experience and passion for education.

“When I began with the school, we were still a private, tuition-based program only,” he recalled. “There have been so many changes to the program since then – we’ve added many new staff members, we’ve expanded our program options and we’re serving kids in ways we hadn’t before. 

“It has been a highlight of my career so far to have not only observed this transformation but to have played an active role in it all. There have been a lot of challenges to overcome, but I truly believe it has made our school and each of our educators better because of all the work that has gone into adding the state-funded program. It has been like opening a new school in many ways and has pushed each of us to grow.”

Cari Moye, principal of Recruitment, Investment, Strategic Partnerships & Pathways and Engagement, was principal when Allison was hired. She says this recent achievement, although “incredibly impressive,” comes as no surprise to those who know him best, and she couldn’t be prouder of him for earning his doctorate. 

“This accomplishment is a true reflection of his hard work, determination and commitment to excellence in everything he does,” Moye said. “Braxton gives 100% in every challenge he takes on. His dedication, perseverance and passion have led him to this moment, and I know this is only the beginning of the amazing things he will continue to accomplish.”

Allison was intentional about his course of study for his terminal degree because of its focus on elements that are of high impact to Texas Tech K-12. The way the school is set up, curriculum design and integration of digital technology are central to its function. 

“As I progressed through the program, I was continuously reflecting on our practices and immersing myself in research that directly applies to what we do at our school,” he said. “As an educator, I feel like my knowledge base has expanded and my exposure to research in best practices in asynchronous online education strengthens my ability to be a leader within Texas Tech K-12.”