Eric Faust brings an infectious enthusiasm for learning and a deep commitment to student success to Hill-Freedman World Academy. A passionate educator, lifelong learner, and champion for young people, he is known for creating a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Through his energy, humor, and genuine care for others, Eric inspires students not only to excel academically, but also to develop the confidence to pursue ambitious goals long after they leave his classroom.
His dedication to learning extends far beyond the classroom. This fall, Eric will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Vanderbilt University, an extraordinary achievement that reflects both his intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong growth. The School District of Philadelphia proudly congratulates Eric on this accomplishment and celebrates the example he sets for students each day, that learning never stops, and that with hard work, perseverance, and passion, anything is possible.
1. What inspired you to become an educator, and what continues to motivate you today?
I’ve always loved the atmosphere and community that comes with being at a school, and I’ve been passionate about mathematics throughout my life. While I was a student at Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua, PA, I had a phenomenal math teacher named Mrs. Teresa Sheer who inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Now, my students continue to motivate me with their positive energy and desire for excellence in and out of the classroom.
2. What makes Hill-Freedman Academy such a special place to teach and learn?
We are fortunate to have amazing people in our school community, beginning with our students. I’ll be shocked if Dan Stukes isn’t at least the Mayor of Philadelphia someday, if not the POTUS. Our staff is made up of caring, supportive, and competent teachers who work together to create a productive environment for students. In particular, teachers like Krystle Watson, Andrew Kammerle, Ofir Forman, and Kylie Billing made me feel welcome in the high school right away and have supported me through their years of experience in teaching here. Finally, we’re fortunate to have Anthony Majewski as our school principal. His many years at HFWA speak to his dedication, and as our school leader, he always goes above and beyond to support his faculty, staff, and students.
3. What is your favorite part about working with students, and what do they teach you in return?
The best part about working with kids is that they’re hilarious. Every day is so much fun because I never know what is coming next, but I know it’s going to put a smile on my face (at least most of the time). I also love working with students who really want to become the best versions of themselves. It’s so inspiring to see students who voluntarily stay after school for tutoring or offer to help their classmates to understand new concepts. While I can’t fit all of my shoutouts here, kids like Gustavo Medina-Tapia, Kyleigh Root, Alex McRae, Kaleb Davis, Mora Bonner, Taylor Jacobs-Riley, Paris Pointer, Hafsah Shabazz-Williams, Tondalaya Roper, Basil Berry, Madi Crawford, Hassan Armstrong, and Emely Quizhpi-Loja are some of my current students who come to mind right away when I think of these attributes.
4. Can you share a memorable moment from your career that reminds you why you chose this profession?
There are so many to choose from. Currently, I enjoy a tradition with one of our students, Jailyn Porter, where she and I spend a few moments each day discussing Pokémon and seeing if we can name all of them from a particular generation. I also enjoy checking in regularly with phenomenal students like Dan Stukes, Romarla Green, and Saadiyah Conway. All of these are students I’ve had in the past with whom I’ve maintained great relationships. They are doing amazing things and I’m proud to know them. For example, Romarla has been excelling in the Police Explorer Cadets program and will be joining the Air Force in the future. How lucky am I to know such a cool kid!
5. The School District of Philadelphia is committed to helping students imagine and realize any future they desire. How do you support students in reaching their goals?
I’m always happy to write a letter of recommendation for a student who is applying to college or looking for a job, but beyond that I make sure to share as much advice as possible from my own experiences. When I was in high school and college, I never applied myself fully. Looking back, I regret this as I know I could have done much better. Recently, however, I’ve made it a goal to make up for this. I recently earned a Master of Arts in Mathematics from Villanova University, and I will be starting the Mathematics Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University this fall (which sadly means I will be leaving the district). I’ve shared all of my takeaways with my students, and even shown them problem sets from my graduate courses and presentations that I gave at national mathematics conferences. While math isn’t for everyone, most students are able to take something out of this that applies to their own goals.
6. What is one thing you wish more people knew about the students at Hill-Freedman Academy?
Mostly, I want people to know that we have some really, really good kids here. There are kids that my wife and I have said we would adopt if we had the chance to do so (really, I’m not kidding!). I feel sorry for everyone who hasn’t visited HFWA and met our kids. You should stop by sometime and see them!
7. What do you hope students remember about your classroom long after they leave it?
While I’m sure they’ll mostly remember my funny stories or how goofy-looking I am, I hope that they also leave my classroom with more confidence in themselves. I’ve had so many students who’ve started out thinking they’re bad at math and that school isn’t for them, but by the end of the year, have proven to themselves that they can be successful if they lock in, take a leap of faith, and give it their all. This is a lesson that students can apply to every endeavor in life, but unfortunately, it’s far too uncommon for our young kids to have this type of belief in themselves. I think this ought to be our number one priority as teachers.
8. Just for fun: What is something your colleagues or students may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m guessing that my HFWA colleagues and students know just about everything about me, but to share a few things for the loyal readers of this newsletter, here are a few fun facts: In addition to mathematics, I also love literature and typically read 50-60 novels per year. Most of my reading is done while walking around Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill because if I sit still and read, I fall asleep due to having a very low resting heart rate. I’ve also been playing in an indie rock band for the past 13 years as a vocalist and guitarist. The band is called Lenina Crowne, named after a character from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and most of the original songs are about fiction novels I’ve read – I told you I’m a bookworm! Finally, I’ve been vegan for the past 15 years and am passionate about advocating for animal welfare and living a healthy lifestyle.
Whether he is solving complex mathematical problems, mentoring students, or sharing a funny story in the classroom, Mr. Faust brings enthusiasm, heart, and purpose to everything he does. As he heads to Vanderbilt University this fall to pursue his Ph.D. in Mathematics, the School District of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate his accomplishments and grateful for the countless ways he has inspired students along the way.