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Tom Hoopes ’83

Head of Religions DepartmentFaculty, Dorm Head (Orton), Coach
Tom imparts a sense of spirituality, humor, and relevance to his students.

Why George School?

George School is a learning community in which truth-seeking can occur with equal passion and equal integrity in all disciplines—the sciences, the humanities, the arts, and religion. At George School we help children to become creative, self-accepting, critically-thinking young adults who understand that they have a personally meaningful role to play in an increasingly global world.

How would you describe your teaching style? 

My goal in all of my classes is to help each student have a transformational experience. I try to fulfill this goal by creating a safe space for everyone that is also charged with the passion and shared knowledge of the subject. Within that, I challenge each student to meet the subject on their own terms, with curiosity and personal engagement.

I regard teaching as sacred work. My role is to expose students to wisdom traditions in a way that is respectful, critical, and curious. I want my classroom to be an arena in which students ask demanding, challenging questions, and in which they find personally relevant answers about how to live a meaningful life.

More about Tom: 

Tom received a BA from Yale and an EdM from the University of Washington. He is a Dorm Head of Orton and the head coach of junior varsity boys’ lacrosse. Tom joined George School in 2008.