In his fourth year teaching, Logan Fabela was named “Teacher of the Year” Thursday, Feb. 8.  Teachers nominate other teachers for the campus award then vote on the list of finalists to determine the winner, who will compete for Canyon ISD secondary teacher of the year.

Fabela taught two dual credit courses in the fall: College Algebra and Business Math. In addition, he teaches Calculus I topics of AP Calculus BC, and in the spring, he prepares students to advance to dual credit Trigonometry, Business Calculus or Calculus II. Fabela began teaching at Canyon four years ago as soon as he graduated from West Texas A&M University.

“As a 22-year-old who had little classroom experience, I quickly realized I had a lot to learn about communicating with teenagers and helping them to grow into adults,” Fabela said.

When Fabela began teaching, his younger brother moved in with him full-time, enrolling as a sophomore at Canyon High.

“I felt lucky to have a job that allowed us to transition into the new school together,” Fabela said. “My brother and I have always had a strong connection, which made it tough when we lived an hour away from each other after I graduated high school. There was a huge shift in our relationship dynamic when I had to make sure he was taking care of his responsibilities at school and at home.”

Fabela said he is grateful his job and personal life required around-the-clock work so he could improve in those areas.

“Thanks to the extra practice I received outside of work, I have grown to be more patient and cognizant of how my words and actions are perceived by people who view me as a role model,” Fabela said.

Fabela said it was immediately difficult to be viewed as an authority figure but through research, trial and error and guidance from colleagues, he established his own teaching style.

“I found my balance for classroom management that gave me enough structure to maintain my sanity and most of my students’ attention,” Fabela said. “Although it occasionally reemerges, the most important obstacle I learned to deal with was my impulse to be perfect. Accepting mistakes as a necessary part of the job has allowed me to correct my issues one at a time and be proud of the things I’ve accomplished.”

Fabela said he was happy to be nominated for “Teacher of the Year,” but completely shocked to win.

“I felt very fortunate to be chosen out of very qualified nominees who I have directly observed make a huge difference in the lives of so many kids,” Fabela said.

Fabela said he is lucky to call Canyon his home and enjoys his interactions with others in the community.

“Whether I’m making small talk at the cash register or getting up to speed on the lives of my classmates, students or coworkers, all of my interactions are warm and pleasant, which is one of my favorite aspects of our school and community culture,” Fabela said. “Compared to the small farm town that I was raised in, Canyon is huge. Whether attending school board meetings, sporting events, concerts or fundraisers, our community consistently demonstrates a sincere interest in the lives of each individual who is lucky enough to call Canyon home.”

Fabela said all of his high school teachers influenced him to become a teacher, but he credits four specific individuals with his desire to become an educator.

“During a significant stage of my development, this small group served as the only role models and positive adult influences in my life,” Fabela said. “These four individuals helped me enroll in and pay for dual credit courses, apply for college and scholarships and took me on university tours.”

Fabela said that each of his four role models demonstrated obvious love through every conversation and moment.

“I hoped a career in education would allow me to develop the same qualities and potential to inspire students and future children of my own,” Fabela said.