Andrew Ali Hamm
Andrew Ali Hamm
High School Math & Science Teacher
Andrew brings a global, interdisciplinary perspective to his teaching at Gathering Waters. Having spent his childhood traveling around the world with his family, he developed a deep curiosity about people, the earth, and the ways we connect across cultures. In high school, he packed his bags for Japan as an exchange student in a small town, and in college he continued this interest with study-abroad adventures in both Japan and the former USSR.
Andrew earned his Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Florida. Never one to stick to a single lane, he went on to complete a Master’s degree in Acupuncture with a Certificate in Herbal Studies — a field that deepened his love for holistic thinking, precision, and the elegant interconnectedness of systems.
His career path has been anything but ordinary: he worked in higher education at American University in Washington, D.C., while doing graduate work in International Communication with a specialty in Conflict Resolution; handled logistics and finances for Doctors Without Borders in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire) and later in Bangladesh with Burmese refugees; taught and supervised graduate students at an Oriental medicine college; and treated patients in his own private practice. He also built a thriving coffee-roasting business — yes, he was the chief roaster - in his “spare time”!
Today, Andrew brings more than 17 years of teaching experience and a treasure trove of real-world adventures to his work with high-school students. His classroom blends science, math, international insight, and holistic awareness into a lively learning experience. He sparks curiosity, encourages deep thinking, and supports each student’s growth as a thoughtful, engaged human on this planet we share.
When he’s not teaching, Andrew is likely to be knee-deep in a DIY project that started small and mysteriously grew wings, exploring new places, possibly playing acoustic bass, or cooking up delicious nourishment for his family!