Lukas Dahlstrom Receives UChicago Outstanding Educator Award

Lukas Dahlstrom, high school physics and chemistry teacher at the LFC, has received the 2024 University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. Mr. Dahlstrom joined the Lycée in 2014 and teaches grades 11-12 in the IB program in 2024-2025. His children, Klara and Rose are respectively in 2nd grade and Jr. Kindergarten at LFC. On the occasion of being honored with this prestigious award, we asked him a few questions about himself. Congratulations, Lukas!

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Tell us about yourself. 

I have been teaching in the IB program at the Lycée for 10 years now. Growing up in New Hampshire, I started learning French in 4th grade. I have a degree in Physics from North Park University where I also played basketball and participated in many clubs and activities. I believe strongly in teaching the critical thinking and problem solving skills of Physics and Chemistry. I want students to understand the context of their learning and to grow and develop as young people. I try to create space for personal development, collaboration and achievement for all students. In the IB program, I have been able to participate at the global level, and for the last four years I have been a part of the team that authors IB Physics exams.

Why is the LFC a good fit for you? 

I have always been impressed by the students and parents of the LFC community, and I really appreciate the opportunities I have had here. One of the themes that I hear repeated from parents is the gift of language, and I think that provides a positive context for a lot of what we do. In my current senior class I hear French, Spanish, German, Arabic, and Portuguese, and I’m very impressed with the cultural experience and awareness of my students. In my classes, I get to engage these students on some of the most challenging and important topics of our world. I truly enjoy teaching in this rigorous environment that is built on respect and hard work. Having my daughters now also join in these classrooms has been incredible, and I’m very thankful for the energy and expertise of their teachers. 

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise our readers. 

In high school, my tennis team won the New Hampshire state title three years in a row.

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. English teacher Andrew Lewis (2020), English teacher Lauren McDonnell (2021), and math teacher Lucas Hochart (2022), have also been awarded this teaching recognition.