MARK RYAN SPONG
Mathematics Teacher
Burlingame High School
Burlingame, CA

A Harvard College graduate with a BA in mathematics, Mark Spong grew up in a family of educators. His grandmother, aunt, uncle and brother are all teachers and played an important role in his career choice. Mark was always interested in teaching but began to question his choice as many of his peers went into other, more lucrative professions. Once Mark entered graduate school, he became certain he was on the right track. “At Stanford Teacher Education Program, social justice and purpose-driven education finally convinced me that I am in the right profession.”

Mark strives to emulate his best teachers and those who touched his life in positive ways. “I have had several particularly wonderful teachers throughout my academic career and I acknowledge their personal investment in my life.” His goal is to create a sense of community and discussion when he teaches in order to replicate the environments he benefited from most as a student.

Mark believes strongly in mentoring and giving back to the community. He has been a student teacher at two high schools in California and has returned to his elementary school as a volunteer tutor. A four-year collegiate rower and a black belt in Kyokushin Karate, Mark has always been interested in coaching and athletics and serves as assistant coach for a local rowing team. In 2009, Mark’s classroom was the focus of the video club for his district’s algebra team.