When asked what makes Mr. Delbert Tengan ’78 such a unique teacher, Coach Wendell Look ’78 said, “I think he connects with his students. He fit right into our One Team philosophy, [because of] his personality; he gets along with everybody. It’s because he respects everybody.” From the very beginning he fit into and epitomized the one team philosophy.

The highly meticulous and friendly Mr. Tengan will be missed next year in the Physical Education Department as he eases into retirement after 39 years of teaching–12 of which were at ‘Iolani. But don’t fret as he will still be around; he will be assuming a role in the security team here at ‘Iolani and will continue to coach the girls Flag Football Team.

During Mr. Tengan’s 12 year tenure at ‘Iolani school, he has been involved in a multitude of endeavors that have contributed greatly to the ‘Iolani community. He was originally brought in as a defensive coordinator for the football team, but when a position for a P.E. teacher opened up, he took it. From then until now, he has continued to teach Upper School students P.E.

Mr. Tengan’s passion for P.E. and coaching sports comes from the bonding experience and seeing his students achieve new skills. Mr. Tengan said, “Just seeing a student accomplish something for the first time, and the gratification of celebrating with that student and their accomplishment… I think that’s the gratification I get from teaching … [and] the smile on their face and the feeling of accomplishment that they are able to do it.”

Getting to know a teacher in a semester is hard, but Mr. Tengan manages to do so. He bonds with his students and really focuses on engaging and teaching them. Mr. Tengan was known for fostering meaningful relationships with his students.  “He’s one of those teachers that will always remember your name, even if he only had you for like, a week as a sub. With other teachers, when they see you around, you don’t want to say hi to them, but Mr. Tengan is that kind of guy you just have to say hi to, because he’s just so friendly.” Lexie A. ’25 said. He always took his time getting to know his students/athletes on a personal level and is why he is remembered by his students.

His attention to detail in his work is what made him such an impactful teacher, colleague, and coach. Coach Look said, “He watches more film than anybody that I’ve ever been around, including me. He tries to cover all aspects, whether it’s football, whether it’s teaching, whether it’s how he details his car. Little known fact, he wipes his car every morning, regardless.” Coach Look said. Additionally, he says he will miss Coach Tengan on his football staff because he never had to worry about the defense and could focus on other things.

Mr. Tengan has diligently taught and coached student-athletes for the past 39 years, but he feels that it is time to move on. However he will still be here part time. Mr. Tengan said, “Well, I’m still going to be around. I’m going to work part time with the security department. I’m looking forward to traveling and seeing places. I enjoy traveling and going to sporting events, NFL football games, NBA basketball games.”

Though Mr. Tengan will be missed, he will be remembered by his students and colleagues as an integral part of the ‘Iolani P.E. and Football staff.