The Women of D: Alison Duffy
During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions.
Meet Alison Duffy
She is a history teacher at De La Salle since 2019. She teaches all five sections of CP Freshmen World History.
Background and Journey to De La Salle
In her own words, Duffy states that she “was first a music teacher for many years, as well as a French tutor. I taught English in public schools overseas for several years in Korea and France. Then I decided to switch to teaching history. I worked as a sub in CPS while I got my Master’s degree, and now I’m at De La Salle!”
What inspires you about De La Salle?
“I love how the students here come from all different backgrounds, and I love how nice everyone is,” Duffy affirms. “It’s the perfect place to help kids develop a nuanced understanding of the world we live in.”
What Woman has been an inspiration to you?
Virginia Hall. “She was a spy for the Allies in France during WWII. She had previously wanted to join the American Foreign Service but was only offered secretarial positions because she was a woman. When the war broke out, she joined the British Special Operations force and worked undercover in France. She was known as the “Limping Lady” because she had a prosthetic leg from the knee down, but it didn’t stop her from evading capture by the Germans for most of the war, all while passing vital information to the Allies. There is so much amazing stuff that she did, but it would take a novel to describe all of it.”
