Some teachers leave a mark on their students—not necessarily a good one—with strict deadlines and rigorous lessons. But others, like Mr. Andrew, leave a mark that can’t be erased. He creates an environment where creativity, curiosity, and independence have no limits. But how did Mr. Andrew’s journey lead him here, and what makes his class stand out?
He is more than just a teacher—he encourages his students to explore various topics. His passionate teaching, experiences as a photographer, and worldwide traveling bring a unique perspective not just to the classroom but to the school. He didn’t always plan on becoming a teacher. Coming from a family of educators, he thought his path would be different. But after a period of time working in business, he realized he wanted something different—something more creative. He has taught for around 12–13 years in countries all over the world. With his storytelling and photography knowledge, he makes journalism feel like more than just an elective, inspiring many students, like Lucia Gaitán, to consider careers in journalism.
“I feel like he’s one of the teachers that’s the most noticeable, that he’s actually passionate about what he does,” said Lucia Gaitán, a student in his journalism class. “He really cares about us, and we can trust him. He’s always open to our opinions and makes the class feel like a safe space.”
Mr. Andrew’s ability to create a welcoming and flexible learning environment is one of the reasons his students feel comfortable expressing themselves. His passion for journalism and storytelling encourages students to think critically, explore different perspectives, and develop their own voices. His personal journey and experiences around the world have also shaped the way he approaches education.
“Some of the teachers that stood out to me were the ones who stopped the lesson to talk about real-world events,” Mr. Andrew said. “They led with their hearts, and that’s something I try to bring into my own teaching—making learning feel real and meaningful.”
This mindset has shaped the way Mr. Andrew approaches his classes, making them more than just about writing assignments. For him, journalism isn’t just about reporting facts—it’s about curiosity, creativity, and staying connected to the world. But teaching wasn’t always his plan; in fact, he once had a completely different career path.
“You know, my mom was a teacher, my grandma was a teacher, and my sister was a teacher—but I never wanted to be a teacher,” Mr. Andrew admitted. “It was never my calling. But as I got older, this path found me, and I started to recognize the impact that great teachers had on my life.”
Even though Mr. Andrew at first resisted a career in education, he eventually found himself passionate about it. His experiences traveling and working in different fields led him to realize that teaching offered something he deeply valued: variety, creativity, and a chance to make a real impact on people. But even with his passion for education, he has other interests that are a big part of his life.
“Photography is so beautiful and so amazing, and I love taking pictures,” Mr. Andrew said. “But teaching, to me, provides this really beautiful space where every day looks different, where students constantly change, and where we can grow and learn together.”
Mr. Andrew’s knowledge and dedication to creating a positive and unique environment, where everyone feels special, have not gone unnoticed by his students. Lucia Gaitán is one of the many who enjoy and appreciate the independence, freedom, and creativity they have in his class. For her, journalism has been more than just a subject—it has opened her mind to other possibilities for her future.
“I really like writing full articles,” Gaitan said. “Doing the research and working on smaller assignments is interesting, but actually putting together an entire article—like our food review—was really fun. It made me realize that journalism might be something I want to pursue in the future.”
Beyond just writing articles, Gaitan values the freedom and support that Mr. Andrew provides in his classroom. She appreciates how he encourages students to explore their own interests while always being there to offer a hand and guide them. This has created an impact on her that will bring many benefits and learning experiences.
“I think it’s a very interesting class. I really love how I can manage my own time and be independent in what I do,” Gaitan said. “But I also know that if I ever have a question, Mr. Andrew is always there to help. He makes the class feel open and supportive, which has made a big difference for me.”