In an interview, Mr. Gyorfi discusses his role as teacher, swim coach, and Bible department head. Editor-in-Chief, Jordyn Balam Mr. Gyorfi teaches a myriad of subjects: history, psychology, and Bible. If you are a student in one of his classes, it’s obvious that he is passionate about each subject. Surprisingly, Mr. Gyorfi never had a revelation that he wanted to be a teacher. He was a youth pastor at the Norfolk Christian beach campus for three years before he accepted being a Bible teacher at NCS Upper School, and after teaching for one semester, he realized that he enjoyed it. It is now his sixteenth year teaching at NCS. Many of Mr. Gyorfi’s students are surprised that he can balance teaching such a variety of courses. However, he says that he “enjoys having lots of diversity in what [he’s] teaching.” It keeps his day interesting and also challenges him to “switch gears'' quickly. Photo by Lily Rhodes; Mr. Gyorfi has taught at NCS for sixteen years and is an integral part of the school community. According to alumni and current students, his attentive teaching style has shaped their educational careers. His love for teaching Bible stems from his college education, during which he attended a Chrisitan, liberal arts school called Wheaton College, located in Illinois. While reflecting upon his time there, Mr. Gyorfi says “it was the first time I had been challenged to think deeply about my faith.” Everyone at Wheaton cared about their relationship with Jesus, and sought to address current issues through a Christian perspective. At Wheaton, his teachers, coaches, and peers forced him to ask, “what does it mean to live out faith in our world?” Mr. Gyorfi asks his students this same question in Issues and Ethics and Ancient Faith for the Modern World, the two Bible classes he teaches. As head of the Bible department, Mr. Gyorfi coordinates within the department, observes teachers, and communicates with higher administration. For instance, he helped organize the Bible electives newly available this year. Mr. Gyorfi also enjoys working in the same building as his wife, Norfolk Christian’s guidance counselor. When Mrs. Gyorfi started working at NCS, he would be surprised when hearing her voice in the hallway. However, he says that it’s “very much a norm now.” In 2020, when NCS was in need of a new coach, both Gyorfis took on the role. In addition to being a prolific swimmer in college, Mr. Gyorfi was a swim coach for seven or eight years afterwards. He likes “walking through the process of watching the students do better,” especially getting over performance anxiety. Lessons learned through swimming are applicable for life, such as perseverance. Photo by Lily Rhodes; Mr. Gyorfi is always willing to give extra help to his students, including during lunch or after class. Aside from his roles as a department head, teacher, and coach, Mr. Gyorfi finds time for hobbies like gardening, hiking, and reading. When asked about his favorite book, he adamantly shook his head, saying, “my personality doesn’t like boundaries.” He reads a variety of genres, ranging from theology to science fiction.
Before handing out any test or quiz, Mr. Gyorfi ensures that his students know their identity comes from Christ, not a numerical grade. Then, he ends the short pep talk with: “I hope you get the grade you most deserve.” This statement is often met with nervous laughter, but it means that hard work is key in difficult subjects. Mr. Gyorfi is always willing to offer extra help, and above all, he builds up students’ confidence in God, and in their own work ethic.
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