He’s back! Matthew Schorr, Class of 2009, has returned to Lawrenceville as a teacher of mathematics. How does he feel that being a teacher, coach, and part of a House advisory team benefits Lawrentians? What does he love about the House system? And what superpower would he choose? All this and more in 5 Questions 4, the School’s sometimes serious, sometimes funny, quick take interview with Lawrenceville students and faculty. 

If you would like to participate in 5 Questions 4 – or nominate someone for an interview – please email lgillard@lawrenceville.org. 

How does being involved in so many aspects of a Lawrentian’s school life (teacher, coach, club advisor, House team, etc.) help you make the Lawrenceville experience better for each student?

I’ve always believed that the most effective way to be a good teacher is to have strong relationships with the students.  Lawrenceville is able to foster a unique environment that caters to the development of these strong relationships between faculty and the student body in turn allowing for success in the classroom.  By getting to know the students and what drives them outside of the classroom you are able to help motivate and cater to each student’s needs inside the classroom.  Being able to celebrate the successes our students have around the Harkness table and in their endeavors outside of the classroom help foster a vibrant community that is difficult to find replicated anywhere else.

What do you think makes the House system special?

Whenever I run into an alumnus of the school, one of the first questions that I always hear asked is “What House were you in?” The House system allows for students to have their own small community within the larger school community that they can own.  Each House is able to form their own identity and helps students take ownership of how they want their experience to be in a way you can’t necessarily do with the student body as a whole.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

I’d like the ability to freeze time.  It feels like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, so being able to get some extra time would do wonders!

What song will always get you out on the dance floor?

Did I mention I like to dance – Flynt Flossy. I wish I could moonwalk as well as he does in the video, but I don’t even come close to it.  Doesn’t stop me from trying though!

Favorite dining hall meal and House Feed?

I love the lunch when it is the sweet & sticky ham and swiss sandwich pretzel bread with a side of curly fries.  We haven’t had it yet this year, but my favorite House Feed would be buffalo wings from Chucks [Spring Street Café in Princeton, N.J.].  Of the Feeds we have had this year I enjoyed the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.

For additional information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.