Lucas Allen took us up on our request for new teacher updates and gave us a glimpse into his new role as a teacher
“First off, I have to say I love seeing messages from our COE. It’s been a couple of years and…seeing “KSU Newsletter” in my vast array of e-mails throughout the school day is a breath of fresh air and definitely merits a response,” he said.
Lucas completed his student teaching at Junction City High School and substituted there full time the following semester. With no job, he followed his girlfriend to Florida, where she was starting her doctorate program at the University of Southern Florida in Tampa.
“While on the road to Tampa, I received a phone call for an interview the next day and was hired on the spot,” Lucas said. “Talk about lucky. I dove in head first, teaching four preps, sponsoring our school’s DECA program and school store and head coaching tennis.”
He says that first year was a challenge, but definitely a rewarding one.
“The first year was by no means a walk in the park, but it was the greatest learning experience of my life,” he said. “I learned the dynamics of a new state, district, new school, classes, students and athletes.”
However, he says, Year No. 2 continues to get better.
“Starting my second year is an entirely different world,” he says. “All of the stress from year one has turned into passion, and it’s reflected in my students and athletes.”
He’s especially excited about the differences he’s making in students’ lives.
“I chose this career to make a positive, direct impact on the environment around me, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the classroom teaching, planning events with DECA members, out on the tennis courts or on the football field…, I’m making a direct impact.”
And he’s staying a loyal KSU Wildcat fan.
“Not to mention, I get to endorse the Wildcats every day in an attempt to educate these poor SEC fans,” he says.
Overall, he continues to enjoy his new career.
“I love every second of what I do and I get paid to do it,” he says. “Not a bad gig.
“Big thanks to Kansas State University’s COE for preparing me for my career as an educator. Go Sharks and GO CATS!”