It takes a special person to teach science, and biology in particular, but not just because of the dead animals. To teach biology requires a love of life and a desire to know how it works. Ben Allen Legel certainly has this love for his field. “Biology has always been a part of my life,” he said. Even in grade school, he was collecting insects; later in high school, he read others’ research.

Growing up in Tremont, Illinois, Legel attended Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE). Before coming to JHS, he taught at Roxana High School District 1. While JHS was not a specific choice, he wanted to stay in Central Illinois after finishing his own schooling. This is his first year teaching in Jacksonville. When asked about his experience at JHS, Legel responded enthusiastically,“I have a wonderful science department to work with!” he says. The JHS staff has been very helpful whenever I need some advice. I also think I am very lucky to have such a great group of students to teach and work with this year. My students make every day of work something I look forward to!”

Here at JHS, Legel teaches biology and physical science. However, his love of science is not limited to either of those. “I love Earth and Space Science, Astronomy, Geology, Physics, along with Biology,” he stated. His diverse enthusiasm is represented by the range of influential people in his life: Carl Sagan, Neil Degrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Richard Dawkins, Walt Whitman, Hank Green, and John Green. “These people were, and still are, great science educators. I love to listen to those people speak and share their ideas. It is amazing to me how people like Carl Sagan and Bill Nye (and more) excite people every day about science,” he says when asked why he chose who he did. Legel also enjoys science fiction, and his favorites are 2001 A Space Odyssey and Silent Spring.

Legel’s other interests include cooking and gardening. He finds cooking “relaxing,” and he views it as basic chemistry. His favorite food is Fettuccine Alfredo. As for pets, he has a Maltese mix named Louie, who is five years old.

Lastly, I asked him what his favorite quote was. The following is from Carl Sagan. “Science is more than a body of knowledge, it is a way of thinking. It is a way to interrogate the universe.” I am sure this way of thinking is what he aspires to instill in his students.