Why Prep

Turning Travel into a Living History Lesson

For history teacher Thomas Gentry-Funk, learning alongside students -- both in and beyond the classroom -- is one of life’s greatest rewards.

“Sharing the process of learning and then creating an understanding of historical events and ideas is such a joy to witness and experience,” he says. “More importantly, getting to know and understand a student in their particular situation, and being able to craft a path to personal success, is one of the reasons I became a teacher.”

Since joining Prep in 2004, Mr. Gentry-Funk has found some of his most fulfilling moments in watching students’ perspectives broaden during travel experiences, particularly in Bhutan.

“We visit a school deep in the central part of the country. We play games and share our hopes and fears,” he explains. “These moments are transformational for our students because they get a glimpse into life far removed from their experience, while at the same time finding connection with people who are in school and struggling with the same things.”

A native of Athens, Georgia, Mr. Gentry-Funk’s fascination with history began in an unexpected way. “My uncle, Henry, introduced history to me as a conversation with people,” he recalls. “He used to take me to see people as he did his work and shared his love of the past through buying antiques and attending raucous auctions in the Deep South. He taught me how to talk to elderly people and to understand life from their perspective. It was a gift that I am still unfolding so many years later.”

At Prep, Mr. Gentry-Funk appreciates being part of a community that helps students discover their passions. “We offer many opportunities for growth and personal development, and that allows a student to find what they love to do and helps shape who they want to be,” he says. “Our school also challenges students to develop an identity that is adaptable to changing circumstances and situations, giving them tangible skills to help co-create their future selves.”

Outside the classroom, “G-Funk,” as he’s known on campus, channels his creativity into drawing, photography, and writing. He has authored books, articles, and essays on historical topics.

As his students prepare to chart their own paths, Mr. Gentry-Funk hopes they remember one lesson above all: that knowledge is an ever-evolving journey. His advice to them is simple yet profound -- “Be willing to completely change your mind as you learn about ideas and experience the world.”

For Mr. Gentry-Funk, history isn’t a list of dates and names -- it’s a living conversation that connects people across generations and continents. Whether he’s leading a discussion on ancient civilizations or hiking through Bhutan with his students, he’s inviting them into that conversation: to listen deeply, think critically, and keep their hearts and minds open to the stories still being written.

Favorite Quote
I love Jelaluddin Balkhi (Rumi) and his poetry. My favorite poem is Where Everything is Music and the stanza: "Don't worry about saving these songs! / And if one of our instruments breaks, it doesn't matter. We have fallen into the place / where everything is music."

What's your secret skill or something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I don't really have a secret skill; I do think my best skill is being present in the moment when everything around us is nutty!

How do you like to spend your downtime?
I sometimes wonder when I'll have downtime?

What do you enjoy most about Sandia Prep?
Time spent with students out in the world.

Anything else you would like to add?
I've written a couple of books, articles, and essays on historical topics, and love photographing and writing about life through journals.

Year Joined Prep
2004

Total Years Experience
33

BA, MA, Other