This story is apart of our ongoing coverage of 2024 retirees. More stories are soon to come. 

Matthew Allen has taught a variety of science classes over his 30 years teaching at Glenbard East. He taught everything from intro to physical science to applied physics and biology honors but has since settled into teaching chemistry and chemistry honors.

Allen’s dad was also a high school teacher; Allen followed in his footsteps. After originally wanting to go into the Department of Natural Resources, a need for teachers drove him into teaching, as well as liking the idea of having summers off. He hasn’t looked back since he proceeded with his teaching career. 

Allen doesn’t plan on sticking around to sub like some other teachers. He is looking forward to new opportunities in retirement and plans on enjoying it, away from teaching. Allen’s plans include traveling around the world visiting France, Hawaii, Canada and more. Additionally, he enjoys fishing and plans on spending his retirement on his farm. Currently on his farm he has a tenant farmer growing on the land and is thinking about selling a portion to have solar panels put on.

“Mr. Allen is a teacher every student needs to experience,” said senior LJ Bobier, who enjoyed the unique atmosphere of Mr. Allen’s chemistry honors class. 

His chemistry Honors class is famous for labs that were filled with exciting chemical reactions that tied to the current topic in the class. They ranged from crushing cans by dropping the pressure inside to charging the ceiling tiles with flaming bubbles of gas. Furthermore, senior Sophia Opila stated that the “labs were fun to do with friends”.