Principal

Dear William Allen Community,

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself as your new acting principal. As I step into this role, I want to assure you of my commitment to our school community. My vision is rooted in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. As a mother to three daughters and a grandmother to two granddaughters, leading by example is the cornerstone of my life and will guide my leadership of our school. I recognize that urban schools face unique challenges. I am confident that by working together, we can transform these into opportunities. I believe in the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from a united community.

My career in public education began in 2001 as an ESOL teacher at Dodd Elementary, a role that ignited my passion for supporting diverse learners. I taught high school English within our district's alternative education program. For the past nineteen years, I had the privilege of serving the Whitehall-Coplay School District; the majority of those years as a high school assistant principal. Throughout my journey, I always dreamed of returning to the place where I first fell in love with public education and advocating for historically unrecognized populations. It is truly a full-circle moment to return to the district where my career began.

In a culturally, racially, and economically diverse setting like ours, my leadership will be defined by a genuine investment in the well-being and success of every single student. This requires a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to build strong bridges across all racial, cultural, and economic differences within our community. I am eager to listen, learn, and engage with each of you. When we work together, we can ensure our students have a nurturing and engaging place to learn, setting them up for a successful future. I'm thrilled to serve this community.

With deepest respect and anticipation,

Dr. Alicia A. Knauff
Principal William Allen High School
Email:   knauffa@allentownsd.org
Phone:  484.765.5000

Ms. Jackie Ortiz, Administrative Assistant
Phone:  484.765.5248