Introducing Mills’ Newest P.E. Teacher: Mr. Dean

Daniel Gao Staff Writer

Olatunji Dean, more commonly known as Mr. Dean, is one of our newest teachers on campus. After Mrs. Tiziani, who taught P.E. at Mills for over 15 years, left earlier this se- mester due to another job opening, during the start of the spring semes- ter, our school board proudly ap- pointed Mr. Dean to take over and in- struct Mrs. Tiziani’s former students.

The Thunderbolt had the opportunity to interview Mr.Dean and learn more about his background.

Mr. Dean had a very lively and active background before coming to teach freshmen and sophomore P.E. classes at Mills. While in col- lege, he played Division 1 basket- ball at University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Dean’s enthusiasm and passion for sports and physical ftness have made him an immedi- ate hit with the students he teaches. His dynamic teaching style keeps his students engaged and motivat- ed, and he often incorporates fun games and activities into his lessons.

Aside from his successful college basketball career, Mr. Dean has also worked as a coach for several youth basketball programs, where he has helped young players develop their skills and build confdence on the court. This experience has made him a valuable addition to the Mills High School community, and he is eager to continue making a positive impact on the students.

Mr. Dean’s love for sports and physical ftness began at a young age. Growing up, he was an active child and could always be found playing some form of sport, whether it was basketball, football, or even track and feld. He was able to excel in all of them sports he dabbled in, but basketball was always his true passion. As he got older, he realized what he truly wanted to do was share his love for sports with others, and he began volunteering at local community centers and after-school programs, where he would teach other young people the fundamentals of basketball and also encourage them to stay active.

In college, Mr. Dean continued to excel both on and off the court. He was a standout player for the Uni- versity of California, Berkeley D1 basketball team and was known for his quickness, agility, and tenacity on the court. Off the court, he volunteered at local schools, where he would teach kids about the importance of exercise and healthy living.

After graduation, Mr. Dean worked as a coach for several youth basketball programs where he was able to impart his knowledge and love for the sport to the next generation of players. He quickly gained a reputation as a positive role model and a great coach, and he was sought after by many young players who wanted the opportunity to continue to learn more skills from him.

When the opportunity to teach at Mills High School presented itself, Mr. Dean was thrilled. He was extremeley eager to share his passions for both sports and physical ftness with Mills students, and was also excited to help make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Since joining the Mills community, Mr. Dean has quickly become a popular and well-respected teacher. His students are both drawn to his ener getic and engaging teaching style, as well as deeply enjoying the activities that he incorporates into his lessons.

Mr. Dean’s impact on the Mills community has been immediate and signifcant, as he has been able to inspire many students to get more involved in sports and physical ft- ness, and he has helped many of them develop a similar love that he had for exercise and healthy living. He has also been a valuable resource for other teachers who have sought his advice and expertise on a variety of subjects, ranging anywhere from sports and physical ftness, to academic success and personal growth. Mr. Dean is a true asset to the Mills High School community, and he is well on his way to making a positive impact on the lives of the countless students he will come to teach and mentor.