Biography

Beginning in 2022, Luke Henke served 11 months in Washington, DC, as NASA SMD's Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. Afterwards, Luke returned to Southeast Kansas where he has been since 2010. He teaches 7th-12th grade students mathematics and computer science. Special seminars on philosophy, world religions, leadership, and esports have also been provided by Luke. Luke completed his B.S., cum laude, in mathematics education and M.S. in mathematics from Pittsburg State University, and Ed. Specialist in educational leadership from City University of Seattle. He has been recognized as a Kansas Teacher of Influence in 2015 and 2022, Golden Apple winner in 2016, Educator of Influence All-Area Academic Excellence Team 2019 and 2021, Distinguished Adjunct Award winner 2021, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2019. Inspired by the simple philosophy of teaching students how to think, not what to think, Luke’s natural inclination for leadership has kept him looking forward to the changes necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century. He has led workshops and discussions with colleagues in Kansas, Missouri, and online media regarding educational technology and change. Projects support learning in Luke’s mathematics classroom through real-life applications. Luke has spearheaded the first concurrent coursework in Columbus and is a Kansans’ Can School Redesign team member, where STEM instruction increased significantly. He has helped facilitate mathematics training for the Kansas Department of Education. His work as a fellow for the Association of American Educators (AAE) has resulted in multiple publications across the state and national publications as a supporter of STEM education.