By Amanda Anabeza, Courier Staff Writer
Some may know Allen Chan as one of their coaches for wrestling, but he has recently become one of the newest teachers here at Logan. He is currently taking over for Mr. Pava’s Government classes while also teaching in another classroom to replace Mr. Mijares.
Mr. Chan describes his journey to becoming a teacher as a “trial and error process”. In the span of two years he worked in commercial real estate, EMT training, and also as a substitute teacher a few times. When asked why he chose to be a teacher he explains that it had the most meaning to it out of all the different jobs he pursued.
Chan attended Logan back in 2010 and he was once a student of Pava’s. This school year, he was given the opportunity to be taken under his wing to learn more about what it takes to be a high school teacher. He first observed Pava, then slowly began to interact with the classes more, now he has completely taken in the full experience as Pava watches. “His teaching practices have influenced my teaching practices for the better so I am very thankful to be in the situation that I am in,” Chan says.
He admits that being committed to a sports team while teaching is difficult to balance, due to the limited amount of time in a day. Yet it has its benefits and he appreciates both because the skills as a coach and the skills in a classroom go hand in hand. This is why Chan is able to relate to student-athletes at Logan.
Since Mr. Chan attended this school and he happened to work with the Union City Leisure Services, he was thankful to have been placed here by CSU East Bay, which is where he is currently taking his credential classes. If presented with the opportunity, he would gladly stay at Logan for a long term teaching career.
