Lucas Hochart Receives UChicago Outstanding Educator Award

Lucas Hochart, middle and high school math teacher and department head at the LFC, has received the 2022 University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. Mr. Hochart joined the Lycée in 2017 and teaches grades 7-12 in the Bac program. His son, Raphaël, is a student at LFC in Jr. Kindergarten. On the occasion of being honored with this prestigious award, we asked him a few questions about himself. Congratulations, Lucas!

Tell us about yourself.

I love to teach! It’s both a joy, working with students, and a great responsibility. I grew up in the Occitanian countryside (on a farm), before moving to the capital for my studies. After 5 years of teaching in Paris, when I arrived in Chicago, I was excited about the LFC and its abundant energy and great colleagues. More than for math (which I love), I do my job for the students, above all! So I was very honored that the main recognitions of my work came from the students themselves, when the senior class nominated me for graduation speaker, then by this Outstanding Educator award, which I was nominated for by a student (thank you Julien!).

Why is the LFC a good fit for you?

Working at the LFC is a great opportunity because of its exceptional teaching conditions. You get used to it very quickly, but you have to remember that having small groups/classes, remarkable facilities and fantastic virtual learning environment is priceless! On the other hand, it is certainly a demanding, hectic and often very tiring place to work. You have to love the students, and love to work hard, because that’s what all the teachers at the Lycée do. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise our readers.

Before being a teacher, I was a journalist, mostly in radio. I am passionate about politics and public debate. Also, radio is a media that I adore, that fascinates me. I didn’t expect it, but I found many important similarities between these two professions. For a teacher, there is a certain rhythm, tone and energy of speech which is like a radio host! Teachers also like their job because they perform and interact with an audience (the students) that is both enthusiastic and demanding. Each class is a bit like a new radio broadcast, that we prepare with key points, sections, columns, and that finally takes place by meeting live with its audience. 

About the UChicago Outstanding Educator Award

Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today. A UChicago Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways--thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside the classroom. Last year, English teacher Lauren McDonnell was also honored with this teaching recognition.