For Pacho Gutierrez, George School is more than a workplace — it’s home. A proud member of the Class of 1977, Pacho returned to his alma mater in 1986 after teaching biology in Colombia and France.

“I had kept in touch with GS through the years, expressing my desire to come back to teach,” he recalls. “When they offered a chance to teach and coach, I jumped at the opportunity.” What began as a short-term plan turned into a lifelong commitment, fueled by his passion for science, sports and service.

As a student, Pacho was shaped by legendary George School mentors like Russ Weimar '48, P. '75, '77; Lindley (Pappy) R. Parker P. '88, '89 (former math faculty and lacrosse coach), Bob Watters (former history faculty 1963-1989), Paul Machemer '65, P. '92, '99; Dave Satterthwaite '65, P. '92, '99, '04; John Gleeson '65, P. '94, '11, GP. '23, '28; and Hardy Coleman. “They led by example,” he said. “I used them as models of how to be an effective teacher and coach.” That mentorship laid the foundation for a career that has spanned decades, thousands of students and more than 60 teams.

In the classroom, Pacho brings science to life. His goal is to spark curiosity and wonder, blending foundational knowledge with cutting-edge discoveries. “I try to bring the thirst for knowledge some of my own teachers instilled in me,” he said. His contributions include core biology and environmental science courses, as well as electives like Animal Behavior, Biodiversity, Ornithology and Cognitive Neurology.

On the field and court, Pacho has coached multiple sports — including boys’ soccer, wrestling and tennis — earning over 500 wins at the varsity and JV levels and guiding teams to multiple Friends Schools League (FSL) finals and championships. “Coaching is a highly focused activity,” he explains. “We’re teaching problem-solving, discipline, teamwork, communication, resilience and focus.” He adapts his style to each sport’s unique rhythm, from the intensity of wrestling to the calm precision of tennis.

Glenn Curry, George School’s current Boys Varsity Soccer coach and Pacho’s former assistant in wrestling and tennis, shared his admiration: “What stands out most about Pacho is his fearless commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether he’s navigating a tough conversation in a faculty meeting or guiding a student who’s lost sight of the team’s values, Pacho leads with honesty, empathy and unwavering integrity.”

Pacho’s coaching philosophy centers on empathy, respect and fair play.

“I want our athletes to be the kind of players their families and school are proud of, regardless of the outcome."

He encourages student-athletes to leave everything on the field, embracing his former coach Paul Machemer’s mantra of “not holding back.” And he has had such a strong impact, that he has been asked to speak on behalf of former athletes who were inducted into George School's Hall of Athletic Honor (established in 2020): Jorge Galindo ’07 (Cross Country and Wrestling) in 2024 and Jason Sisti ’11 (Tennis, Wrestling) in 2025.

Even after decades, Pacho himself is not holding back. “I’m still engaged and active in the classroom,” he says. “Just in the past few years, I’ve helped develop new courses like 'Science & Literature' and 'Fuels of Civilization.'”

His advice to young educators? “Pick the brains of the old timers — not just for their wisdom, but to learn how to maximize your energy and time.”