Meet our exceptional soccer coach and sophomore math teacher, Francis Kwofie. With four years of teaching experience at Lamar, Mr. Kwofie brings a contagious positive energy and enthusiasm to his craft. He shares, “I’ve always believed the best way to give back to society is through teaching, especially being a math teacher, because it closely relates to the real world and encourages further questioning, such as asking why or how.” He adds, “Even if I had the option to choose another profession, I would still choose to be a teacher.”
Mr. Kwofie brings this positivity into the classroom by teaching in a fun and engaging manner. He says, “My favorite part of teaching is making funny jokes, connecting math to the real world, and seeing the realization on students’ faces when they finally understand the problems. I’m always happy when my kids grasp the concepts and engage with the lessons.” His passion for teaching extends beyond just delivering lessons, Mr. Kwofie is always eager to learn, whether from a colleague or his students. He reflects, “My students have taught me so many things. I’ve learned to be humble, to know when to react, and to recognize that different students learn in different ways. I enjoy getting to know my students because I feel it allows me to address their individual needs more effectively and efficiently. When students trust you and understand your approach, it’s easier to do the best for them as a teacher.”
The welcoming and supportive environment that Mr. Kwofie creates has had a lasting impact on the Lamar community, with some of his former students returning to share their accomplishments with him. “Last year, one of my old pre-cal students got a 4-year full-ride scholarship to Penn State University,” Kwofie shared. “When I heard the news I was instantly so excited for her and I hope to hear more of those stories as I continue to teach at Lamar.”
Although Mr. Kwofie is most known for being an amazing math teacher, that isn’t all he does; he’s also a remarkable soccer coach. Last year, he helped lead the Lamar varsity boys’ soccer team to their third consecutive district championship. With hopes of clinching the title again this year, Mr. Kwofie’s passion for soccer runs deep. He shared, “I started playing soccer as a kid growing up in Ghana. Soccer has always been something I’ve done for fun.” He reflects on making a difference, saying, “Soccer is the best way to give back and impact someone’s life, especially when you’re working with young kids who have the potential to become great in the future.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Kwofie plans to complete grad school, achieve a PhD, and eventually become a college professor. In the meantime, the Lamar community continues to cherish and appreciate all he has contributed — not just as an outstanding teacher and soccer coach, but as an exceptional person overall.