Upper School math teacher Tom Goebeler, Hon. has been selected for the 2024 University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award.
Each year, entering freshmen at the university are offered the chance to nominate a teacher "whose influence brought them to where they are today."
Aryav Dhar '24 embraced the opportunity and nominated Dr. Goebeler for the prestigious award.
"The environment he created in his classroom was one that fostered academic curiosity and learning," recalls Aryav from his Honors AB Precalculus class. "Dr. Goebeler not only taught mathematical concepts, but he also made sure that we understood the reasoning behind these concepts. This line of thinking sparked my love for math and coming into college, I feel much more prepared due to Dr. Goebeler’s class."
"These [awards] are very nice," said Dr. Goebeler. "But the honor comes the moment a student looks back and thinks, 'I had a good experience with that guy.' That's the honor."
Since 2014, Dr. Goebeler has won 10 awards and recognitions from MIT (5), Amherst College, Williams College, Stanford University, Yale University, and now the University of Chicago. All resulted from a nomination by a former EA student.
"It says so much about our students," explained Dr. Goebeler. "They learn things at EA. I'm looking at those Stripes, Gratitude. The notion that they picked up a pen or sat at a computer, took the time, and typed something out. That says something great about all of us. They took that with them."
"EA set me up with a core set of values and principles that I hold dear to my heart," said Aryav. "These standards are something that will guide me throughout my life and I could not be more grateful to EA for the past 12 years. I truly believe I would not be the same person in terms of academic scholarship or moral character without The Episcopal Academy."
"If a kid sticks with mathematics I can usually still follow along. But as they branch off, I don't understand what they're doing and that's a great thing!" smiled Dr. Goebeler. "It's wonderful to see them spread their wings and head in different directions. I love hearing about it."
The EA math department is known and valued for its vast course offerings and depth.
"There is a lot of runway here," said Dr. Goebeler. "There is a lot we can do."
"Dr. Goebeler being selected is very cool," said Aryav. "I am quite excited that he is receiving this honor and being recognized for his work. UChicago takes pride in scholarship and having some of the most decorated professors in the world, so the fact that they are honoring Dr. Goebeler is quite inspiring!"