Luke Zhang ’24: Transformative Teaching and Learning

“What stood out the most to me about George School is how the students here really show their personality, dive deep into what they’re interested in, and are able to explore their own passion.”

After transferring as a sophomore, Luke Zhang ’24 quickly dove into his own interests here at George School, with the help of a few math faculty members.

In his first year, he took Advanced Precalculus with Discrete Math taught by a former faculty member Guan Koay that reignited Luke’s passion for math.

“During my freshman year of remote learning, I fell behind on my math progress. I wasn’t doing as well, but Guan was the person who motivated me,” Luke explained. “He encouraged students to learn and adapt, and that’s what got me back into math.”

“After that class, I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes,” Luke continued. The confidence he built in Precalculus led him to take AP Calculus, Numbers Theory and Discrete Math, and many other advanced math courses. He is also a part of the Math Team, MATES (a student publication for STEAM subjects), and has provided math help to many students.

He has used the 7-term academic schedule to his advantage to take as many math classes as he can.

“I feel like the 7-term really opens up flexibility to explore your interests. If I could take three math classes, other people can take three art or three science classes if they want to. It’s open to possibilities.”

In addition to sparking his passion for math, another noteworthy math faculty member helped Luke continue his interest in fencing at George School.

“Coincidentally, fencing had a lot to do with my relationship with math,” Luke said. “I came to George School with the expectation to drop fencing, a sport that I have enjoyed in the past few years, when I learned that it was not offered at the school at the time. However, I was greeted with a surprise when my advisor told me that he does fencing as well.”

Luke’s advisor and math teacher, Kai Faris, worked with him to create a fencing club at George School, which then progressed into a physical education class, and is now a team sport.

“Last year’s spring season was what we called ‘the great experiment,’” Luke recalled. “Kai was also coaching tennis at that time and couldn’t be present at the fencing practices, so I took on the role of supervising and leading the practice.”

Luke worked with students, many of whom have never tried fencing before, and helped build their skills. The team gained great popularity with over 14 students in its first year. They now have over 20 students participating this winter season in the program’s second year with Kai as their head coach.

“This year, I can see a significant improvement in the people who I taught last year who understand the basics already,” Luke mentioned. “It’s a feeling of accomplishment to see that I made a difference and maybe opened up a new passion to some people.”

As a math tutor and fencing coach, Luke has helped students improve their skills. Throughout his time at George School, he has shown to be a natural teacher and leader to his peers and hopes to continue in college as an education major.

“I want to be to others what Guan was to me when I was a sophomore and feeling lost. I really feel like teaching is more than knowledge. It’s more about passion. How you teach really impacts students and their lives, so I hope to be involved with students in that way.”

Root on Luke and the rest of the Math and Fencing teams this winter! Check the school schedule here.