Spotlight on Teaching

Simply put, Menlo’s teachers are our secret sauce. They spark students’ curiosity, challenge them to think deeply and creatively, and offer steadfast support and belief in their potential. Most importantly, they build caring relationships that make students feel seen, known, and inspired, fueling the joyful, transformational education that sets Menlo apart.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING

Here, we spotlight two of the many extraordinary faculty members who bring this vision to life every day.

In this issue, we’re pleased to feature Upper School Science teacher Todd Hardie and Middle School Math, Spanish, and Computer Science teacher Ricky Lambert.

TODD HARDIE

UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE

For a few days each year, students in Upper School Science teacher Todd Hardie’s Anatomy class experience a small glimpse of what life can be like for someone living with a chronic illness.

As part of his renowned Chronic Conditions Project, students research a condition of their choice, connect with patients and advocacy organizations, and, for a period of time, limit themselves in ways that reflect the challenges many people face every day. The project asks students to apply scientific knowledge, manage a complex long-term assignment, and think about what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes.

The project also reflects a hallmark of Hardie’s teaching: connecting scientific understanding with human experience. “In addition to preparing students for independent work and time management—and more importantly—this project teaches deep empathy,” says Head of School Than Healy.

Across all of his classes, Hardie brings what Upper School Director John Schafer describes as “an impressive combination of creativity, rigor, and genuine care. He empowers students while challenging and supporting them in equal measure,” Schafer says. “And, students know he cares about them not just as learners but as people.”

For more than 35 years as an educator (the past 29 at Menlo), Hardie has challenged students to think critically, communicate clearly, and push beyond what they believe they are capable of—all while creating a classroom where students feel supported, understood, and comfortable asking for help.

What first drew him to teaching was his own experience growing up in a small town where he often felt unsure of himself and where he fit in.

RICKY LAMBERT

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

For many Menlo Middle Schoolers, Ricky Lambert is among the teachers they remember most, long after they leave his classroom.

It might be because he helped them through a difficult math problem. Or maybe it was a conversation during Advocacy, a moment on a retreat, a shared laugh in Spanish class, or a simple check-in on the Quad. Whatever the setting, students often describe the same thing: a trusted adult who’s been there for them.

That consistency has defined Lambert’s 32-year career in education, including the past decade at Menlo.

“Ricky Lambert is the quiet, steady heartbeat of Menlo’s Middle School,” says Middle School Director La Vina Lowery. “From the math classroom to Spanish, from Outdoor Education and Global Travel to service learning and LatinX community events, he shows up again and again for students, parents, and colleagues with humility, joy, and unwavering commitment. He’s a true generalist whose care, integrity, and ‘no worries’ spirit touch every corner of campus life.”

Ricky came to Menlo more than a decade ago as a long-term substitute and quickly became a fixture in the Middle School community. Over the years, he has taught math, Spanish, and computer science across all three grades. Lowery often jokes that he has done nearly every job in the Middle School except hers.

“Independent school teachers wear many hats,” Lambert says. “Between subjects, Advocacy, outdoor ed, admissions, etc., I don’t think I’ve ever worn this many at any other school.”

“Ricky always has his thumb on the pulse of what is going on with students and genuinely cares about all Knights,” says Head of School Than Healy. “He takes time to attend their plays and games and to simply sit with them after school to check in on how their day went.”

As one former student in the Class of 2028 shared, “Mr. Lambert is definitely one of the best teachers that I have ever had, if not the best. He is such a good teacher because he is always open to helping you with whatever problem you have, no matter what…He is a jack of all trades, as he can help with everything…and is always able to explain things in a way that makes sense.”