This fall, Fort Hamilton High School welcomed Zihan Gao, a teacher who brings enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to learning. Having recently joined the school, Ms. Gao embodies a philosophy that promises a positive impact on the Fort community.
Originally from China, Ms. Gao went through a deeply personal journey to education.
“When I was in China, English learning was mostly focused on exams, grammar, and memorization,” she said. “It made many students—including me—feel nervous about making mistakes and less interested in using the language in real life. I wanted to change that.”
Driven by a desire to help students appreciate English as a tool for exploration, self-expression, and connection, she became a teacher.
Her teaching approach is shaped by her education at New York University and the mentorship she received in New York’s public schools. These experiences instilled in her a belief in the power of a student-centered and inclusive classroom where everyone feels safe to share their ideas.
“I use visuals, games, and group discussions to help students feel confident using English in real situations,” she said. Ms. Gao also emphasizes choice, allowing students to learn in ways that fit their strengths, believing that learning should be “active and joyful, not just about passing tests.”
At Fort Hamilton, she’s drawn to the diverse and warm community, where students come from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Her goal is to build strong relationships with her students, boost their confidence with the English language and foster a classroom where every student feels seen and valued.
Beyond academics, her hobbies play a role in her teaching style. She enjoys playing piano and guitar, as well as kickboxing and pickleball. Her hobbies help her bring positive energy into the classroom.
“Music and sports keep me balanced and creative,” she told The Pilot, explaining that she likes to incorporate songs or rhythm into lessons to make learning more engaging, she uses movement activities to keep students active.
She hopes students remember her as a teacher who truly cared about them and believed in their potential.
“I want students to feel proud of being bilingual or multilingual and to know their voices matter,” she said. Above all, she wishes to create a safe space in her classroom where students feel confident and proud of what they accomplish.
Fort Hamilton is lucky to welcome a thoughtful and passionate teacher to its community. Her approach, based on connection, creativity, and care, will surely leave a lasting impact as the school year progresses.
