For Elliott Leong, walking into the high school this fall feels like stepping into a time machine, except this time, he is the one at the front of the classroom. A 2016 Clayton graduate and the son of recently retired math teacher Karen Leong, the new physics teacher is returning to his alma mater to help every student succeed.

“I am always available to help,” Leong said. “Ninth graders are a little bit fearful that teachers will bite their heads off, but student success is our priority. That’s why we have jobs. Ask us questions. Come talk to us. I don’t want you to feel like you’re on an island and have to struggle through it on your own.”

Walking into his freshman year physics class, Leong’s physics teacher, recently retired Gabriel de la Paz, introduced him to the school’s “Physics first” philosophy, teaching students physics in ninth grade before chemistry and biology.

“It was eye-opening for me, and it got me excited about science. [de la Paz] was a gentle, approachable teacher who made things accessible and was always available to help us,” Leong said.

After high school, Leong attended Truman State University, earning a bachelor’s in physics and math and a master’s in education and arts. From 2020 to 2024, Leong taught high school math in Green City, Mo., as the sole math teacher for grades nine through 12. Shifting from traditional math instruction means changing his teaching style to be more student-driven.

“The physics program is all about guided inquiry,” Leong said. “The goal is to get students actively thinking and participating, because that’s where true learning happens. I’m learning to let go of my particular structure and share ownership of the classroom with students so they do the bulk of the thinking.”

Leong’s goals for his class extend beyond the science content. He wants students to leave with skills that will serve them in the future.

“Having students leave the classroom with a different way of thinking, rather than just a bunch of topics and concepts, is far more important,” Leong said. “We want them to have the tools and skills necessary to tackle things in the future.”

The transition to honors physics can be intimidating for many ninth graders. Leong is prepared to guide students through it.

“One of the things about our program that forces a lot of students to pause is that we’re introducing them to a completely different way of thinking,” Leong said. “We’re giving them a full year of that experience so they can develop the mental approach needed to handle challenges later in life.”

Leong emphasizes that hard work is irreplaceable, especially in the age of advanced technology.

“The tools we have today are meant to help us, but they don’t replace the work,” Leong said. “Students are still responsible for taking ownership of their projects.”

Outside of the classroom, Leong enjoys hiking, reading nonfiction, and spending time with his wife and their 10-week-old daughter, Alexandria.

“My wife and I are excited to spend time exploring new things with [Alexandria], going to the zoo, trying new foods, being outside,” Leong said. “My comfort space is a rocking chair and a good book. I’m always trying to learn something new.”

Now, as Leong steps into his first year of teaching physics, he is looking forward to both the challenge and the familiarity.

“It’s a little surreal,” Leong said. “I know my way around the building and the culture, but being the teacher is a different beast than being the student. I’m excited to be back home working with people.”