Luke Smith firmly believes that all students need a positive relationship with their teacher and that all students can learn at high levels with necessary teacher expectations, differentiated instruction, and academic support. Helping students reach their potential means that both his math students and the student-athletes he coaches are striving to do their best. Mr. Smith says, “I can think of several students who hated math prior to my class and are now challenging themselves in some of the most difficult math courses offered at our school.” He continues,” Every student-athlete I have ever coached has graduated on time. In the past four years, 20 out of 21 student-athletes have qualified and signed scholarships to play [in college]. More importantly, they are succeeding academically at the next level as well.” Mr. Smith joined the staff at Norcross HS as a math teacher in 2013. Prior to his work at Norcross, he taught at Eagle’s Landing High School in Henry County (2011-2013) and in Clarke County Schools (2009-2011). He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia.