Carol Reilly can’t say enough good things about her former boss, LaVerne Logan (MS ’88/PhD ’97).

“Dr. Logan is the poster child of giving and caring,” she said.

Reilly recently served for two years as Logan’s graduate assistant at Western Illinois University, where he is an associate professor in science education.

“Working for Dr. Logan was one of the greatest opportunities of my life,” she said. “He is an effective professor, mentor, and role model.”

Reilly, who is now working as a secondary reading specialist in the Anamosa, Iowa, school district, said the thing that impressed her most about Logan was his student-centered approach to teaching and his compassion for those around him.

“In every capacity, Dr. Logan worked to model to his students what a good teacher does to facilitate learning,” she said. “His classroom was always a friendly environment that encouraged discussion and inquiry into not only science, but into all aspects of education and teacher preparation.”

Logan began his career as a classroom teacher in Monona, Iowa. He said moving to a university setting after some 12 years of working with young students was a tough decision for him.

“I eventually came to peace with the decision based on the reasoning that training effective science teachers would in turn impact many more elementary students,” he said. “I enjoy being part of college students’ teacher development and helping them get off to a good start. I enjoy their eagerness and the energy level that pre-service teachers bring—they are so eager to get started teaching, but have so much to learn.”

To help ready his students for their own classrooms, Logan said he tries to model good teaching, especially through getting to know each of his students as individuals and by being active in the local educational community.

He rarely turns down an invitation to volunteer at science education events like the local family science night, outdoor education events, or the state Science Olympiad.

“I think it is important for my college students to see we are actively involved in giving time and professional expertise, all for the good of the students,” he said. “Modeling is an important facet of effective teaching. I believe if pre-service teachers can see it in action, they are more likely to envision themselves doing these types of things.”

Logan said the inspiration for his teaching methods and giving spirit come from the idea that “it is better to give than receive,” and from lessons learned from important mentors in his life, especially his father and his academic advisors, including University of Iowa Professor Dick Shepardson.

“Much of how I interact with students stems directly from how I was treated by these teachers,” he said. “I appreciate what others have done for me and wish to make this possible for others.”

Shepardson, who retired from The University of Iowa College of Education in 2006 after 34 years of service, said he has long respected Logan’s student-centered approach to his work and humble nature.

“He does not like to talk about himself or his success, but he is a quiet, hard-working, dedicated teacher,” Shepardson said.