Faculty Feature | Elia Lee

Name: Elia Lee
Current role & department: Upper School Faculty, Mathematics & Computer Science
Year you started at Albany Academy: 2024
Alma mater(s) and degrees: University of Cologne, Germany, M.Ed. in Mathematics (First State Examination, equivalent to Master’s level) and Cologne University of Music and Dance, Germany, M.Ed. in Music (First State Examination)

Prior to Mr. Lee joining Albany Academy, he taught in Germany for 12 years at the Freies Christliches Gymnasium in Düsseldorf, Germany. 

While Mr. Lee is a member of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, he is also closely tied to the Arts here. He plays three instruments, piano, viola, and trombone, and has been a member of the pit orchestra.
 

Who inspired you to become a teacher?

"It was two of my math teachers, but for very different reasons. The first math teacher, from 5th through 7th grade, made me feel like I wasn’t good at math and often discouraged me, both intentionally and unintentionally. I promised myself that if I ever became a teacher, I would do better than she did.

The second math teacher was the best teacher I had during my school years. He was an inspiration in many ways. He explained things clearly but was also very demanding (in a good way) but was also very kind and personally invested. Through him, I learned that with discipline and motivation, I could push beyond my limits. He was the positive example of a teacher I wanted to follow."
 

What strategies do you use to spark student engagement and creativity in your classroom?

"In the end, students will not primarily remember what you taught them, but how you taught it and how they felt in your presence. That, in turn, sparks engagement and creativity. From my perspective, the relational aspect is a fundamental requirement for effective teaching to take place and succeed. Each group of students brings its own dynamic and therefore requires its own strategy, and that is what makes the teaching profession so interesting."

Is there a particular lesson or project that you especially love to teach? What makes it meaningful for you and your students? 

"From my time teaching in Germany (where you are required to teach two subjects), what stands out most are the units from my other subject, music where the seniors had to plan, design, and perform their own concert, including an overarching theme, posters and flyers, MCing, as well as sound, lighting, photography, and videography.

This led to unique and unforgettable concert evenings that gave students insight into the full process of putting on a performance, while allowing them to fully express their creativity.

That is why I am very glad and grateful to be able to contribute musically here as well and to support the excellent music department, even in a small way."

What is a fun or unexpected fact about you?

"I’m something of a geography nerd and can name all the countries along with their capitals, flags, and outlines."

Favorite book and movie?

"Book: The Bible.
Movie: My favorite changes from time to time, but one that consistently ranks near the top is The Lion King."

If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing?

"Teaching was always my dream job, but I was also interested in fields like dentistry or law."

What's your favorite Albany Academy tradition? 

"Being fairly new to Academy, I don’t have a single favorite tradition yet, since I enjoy all the experiences here, including the Thanksgiving luncheon, the musicals and concerts, Jeans and Bagels Fridays, and more. One thing I did not expect at first but have come to appreciate: the uniforms. It makes a difference in the way students carry themselves."

How do you see students growing or evolving during their time at Academy?

"I love seeing students grow in their sense of responsibility and independence, being pushed when needed and learning how to handle challenges, all while being in a safe environment where so many faculty and staff members care about them and want them to succeed. I don’t know how you could not thrive in this environment."

What’s something you’re especially proud of in your career?

"Those successful concerts will always be a positive memory for me. Beyond that, I have always felt accomplished when I was able to make a positive impact in someone’s life.

During the 12 years I taught in Germany before moving to the US, countless students from all stages of those years stayed in touch. Some came back for school events or open houses, others reached out through social media. They would reminisce about the past and share that I had made a positive difference in their lives. Two yearbook comments have stayed with me. One was from a student who almost failed her Abitur, the German high school graduation exam, and whom I thought I was not especially close with and who despised math. She wrote that she was grateful I did not give up on her. Another was from a student who wrote, 'Thank you, Mr. Lee, that math is no longer my least favorite subject.' It may not sound like much, but IYKYK. Other memorable moments were being featured on German TV a couple of times."

Anything else you'd like to share?

"Moving across the ocean, I didn't know what to expect from this new culture and school system. Now, I couldn't be happier and feel fortunate to be part of this community and to be surrounded by such amazing colleagues and students."