By Zoe Rodriguez, 2028
The Lookout is honored to introduce George Papayannis as a new physics teacher. Lookout staff Zoe Rodriguez reached out to interview him and get his perspective as a new teacher, as well as just get to know him a bit. This is a transcript of his responses:
Zoe: Tell us a little bit about yourself
Papayannis: I’m an education geek. I love trying to figure out how to help people learn new things and get them invested in the things they’re learning.
Zoe: If you could take any class in the world (in school) what would you take?
Papayannis: Right now I’d love to take advanced classes in photography, beginner classes in Byzantine chant, or beginner classes in dumbek/darbuka.
Zoe: Why are you a teacher?
Papayannis: I was a structural engineer years ago before I became a teacher. I was inspired by students I worked with when I mentored in an after-school program and one of my mentee’s teachers urged me to become a teacher. I took her advice, student taught with her, and haven’t looked back.
Zoe: Do you have any music recommendations for high schoolers?
Papayannis: Right now I’m still listening to my Greek summer music playlist. I’m not sure what I’ll transition to next, but I’m also open to recommendations from high schoolers.
Zoe: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be? And why?
Papayannis: “Dad” because right now I love being a dad to my three kids.
Zoe: How do you like to spend your free time?
Papayannis: As a parent of three little ones I need to ask, What’s free time? I don’t get much of that and that’s okay because I always want to spend more time with my family.
