Logan Booker: from Student to Teacher

When he was younger, Logan Booker did not like school. “I didn’t learn like everyone else. I am a hands-on learner, so I didn’t like going to school,” he said. That all changed when he realized he could become a teacher and help kids who approach learning in different ways. “There are so many different ways to teach. I want to help those who learn like me,” Logan said.

Logan, a senior at Reynoldsburg High School, takes classes at Eastland-Fairfield and plans to go to school for education. He wants to attend either the University of Cincinnati or the Ohio State University. “Ideally, I want to teach high school finance and math,” Logan said.

To gain experience, Logan works at Slate Ridge Elementary School at the before-and-after-school program put on through the YMCA. Monday through Friday, from about 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm, you’ll find Logan with about 25 students, playing games, helping with homework and handing out snacks.

“My students are in grades 1-5 so there are a lot of different personalities and maturity levels,” Logan said. “I think my biggest strength is being patient. At the end of the day, kids will do things that may not make sense to me, but make sense to them, and I need to be able to adapt.”

Another part of Logan’s experience was to shadow a teacher. He chose Mr. Verhoff, who teaches Social Studies at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus, where he helped lead a class, make lesson plans, and facilitate debates.

“Logan is a very charismatic student who leaves an impact on all of those around him,” said Mr. Verhoff. “Through his mentorship with me at the high school this year, along with his work in the after-school program at Slate Ridge Elementary, he has proven that he will be a very positive influence in the field of education, which needs more young male role models. I am so excited for Logan's future and have no doubt that he will be successful in his program!”

Right now, Logan is focused on getting into college, but he sees himself coming back to the District to teach. “Being able to come back where I’ve been since the 4th grade, and give back would mean a lot,” Logan said.

We’ll keep a classroom open for you, Logan!