This year, Pine Crest School Upper School welcomed Mr. Andre Wangard to the Social Sciences department. In addition to teaching AP European History, he also coaches the Varsity Girls Soccer team. Whether in the classroom or on the soccer field, he finds joy in connecting with students and helping them reach their full potential.

Mr. Wangard’s love for soccer and teaching has been a lifelong journey. He grew up playing soccer as a high-level goalkeeper and went on to join the Division I team at the University of Louisville. Although initially pursuing a finance major, he found that it didn’t fulfill his career desires. Instead, he found his true passion in education, where he saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by connecting his historical insights to the modern world.

After completing his undergraduate degree at St. Thomas University, Mr. Wangard enrolled in the Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC), a Master’s program at Boston College. This program allowed him to teach in underserved Catholic schools in Boston and live in a supportive community of like-minded educators. By balancing teaching, coaching, and community engagement, he soon earned his Master’s degree while also developing a strong commitment to education.

When asked about his teaching style, Mr. Wangard says that he strives to mirror it after his coaching, focusing on encouraging and motivating his students.

“In both settings, it’s about understanding how teams work and thinking outside the box,” he said.

Whether working with a classroom of students or a team of athletes, Mr. Wangard believes in encouraging confidence in everyone’s abilities. 

Additionally, one of Mr. Wangard’s greatest strengths is his adaptability. In both teaching and coaching, he emphasizes the importance of being “dynamic”—knowing when to change direction if a lesson or practice isn’t working as planned. This flexibility allows him to keep students engaged and athletes energized, which encourages creativity and quick thinking.

With his passion for social studies and his dedication to his players, Mr. Wangard is already making a positive impact on campus. Looking back on his journey before joining Pine Crest, he is grateful for the opportunity to share his love for history and soccer with a new generation.