Former elementary teacher and politician Sheryl Allen from Bountiful, Utah.

Many times talented classroom teachers go on to successful careers in politics. One of these educators is Sheryl Allen, an elementary school teacher who served in the Utah State House of Representatives.

Sheryl was born on June 30, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1965, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and in 1990 she completed the requirements for her master’s degree in Educational Administration, both at the University of Utah.

After serving as an elementary school teacher for a number of years, Sheryl served as first a member and then the president of the Davis County Board of Education. Her 12 years of service on the Board began in 1977 and ended in 1989.

In 1994, Sheryl was elected on the Republican ticket to represent the 19th District in the Utah House of Representatives. She served in this capacity until 2011. During her many years in the Utah Legislature, Sheryl was a tireless champion of children and her state’s educational system. In addition, she was an outspoken advocate for ethics reform and transparency in government, and she was an indefatigable leader in economic development and international trade.

In addition to her experience in the classroom and in the legislature, Sheryl worked for the Davis Applied Technology College. She was the Public Relations Director from 1985 to 1995, and the Custom Fit Coordinator from 1985 to 1990. She was also a member of the Davis Higher Education Center Committee and the Utah Strategic Planning Committee for Higher Education. In 2005, the Utah School Board Association named Sheryl Legislator of the Year. She was also named the National Legislator for the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts.

At age 75, Sheryl is now retired. She resides in Bountiful, Utah.