Luke Henke
Luke Henke
Fellowship Placement: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Hometown: Pittsburg, KS
Luke Henke has had the honor of serving as an educator in Kansas since 2010. His first three years were in Pittsburg Community Middle School and the following eight years at Columbus Unified High School where he taught 9th-12th grade students algebra, intermediate algebra, college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. 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. He is working on completing his doctorate in educational leadership from City University of Seattle. 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. With over $10,000 won in funding for developing STEM by establishing an Innovation Lab. Students develop personal agency as they investigate and experiment, sometimes relying on outside mentors to better help them understand problem-solving scenarios. Students have used 3D printing, drones, electronics, and robots to enhance learning and better their world. 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 an advocate for STEM education.
