Position: High School Teacher

College(s): University of Oxford, Sierra College, CSU East Bay, and University of California, Berkeley

Degrees/Certifications: Master of Arts in Philosophy, Single Subject English Credential, A.S. Social Behavioral Sciences

Email: BenjaminLogan@rcs.edu

How did God call you into teaching, and/or what are your professional credentials (or prior work experience)?

For the longest time, I wanted to be a professor of philosophy. I made that my ambition when I started at UC Berkeley as an undergraduate student. Later, I progressed to the University of Oxford for a master’s degree in the subject. When I finished the master’s, I ended up teaching 11th grade English for 3 months, which inspired me to change direction and become a high school English Teacher. Before coming to Redwood, I taught a year of 7th grade English and two years of high school English at Alameda High School.

What motivated you to become a teacher at Redwood Christian?

Redwood Christian is at the cutting edge of education with the aim of helping students understand a God who loves them unconditionally. After the interview process, I was amazed by the faculty and staff here. The way the faculty and staff care for the students was clear from the beginning, and it made me desire to be a part of this community. When I told my wife about those who interviewed me, my wife said, “You have to take this job!” I never looked back.

Tell us about your family and how they are looking forward to this new opportunity.

My wife is my immediate family. She, as I mentioned, believed that I could grow as a specifically Christian teacher at Redwood. She sees the high value in learning from other Christian teachers because the Christian teacher can bring God’s grace into his or her teaching.

What is a unique experience, talent or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?

The talent I bring into my classroom is my enthusiasm. In the last few weeks of teaching at Alameda High, every teacher commented on my enthusiasm in the classroom. It comes from my belief that what we cover in English class is actually important. I genuinely believe that books can teach us about ourselves as human beings and ultimately help us see our need for God.

Do you have any other hobbies/interests outside of teaching?

I love to play drums! I’ve been playing drums since 5th grade. I have played on multiple Worship Teams at Church over the years. When I am tired of thinking so deeply about literature, drumming helps me get a breath of fresh air and clear my head.

Our tagline is “Inspiring Futures.” How will a time you’ve been inspired shaped your teaching?

In my high school marching band, I played tenors, that set of drums you wear on your waist. Our band would compete against other marching bands all over Northern California. Before one show, during practice, our drum instructor stood right in front of me. My head was not in the game. He exclaimed, “Ben! Fight for it!” That phrase, “Fight for it,” resonated in my mind for years to come. I do not remember how well we performed that night but my instructor’s exhortation led to a change in mindset. In the classroom, I want to encourage my students to fight for their aspirations, their goals, and really the moment—and not to settle.