College Park, Ga. -- It's true the chemical reactions in George Dietz' classes at Woodward Academy deal with what he's teaching. But, there's another kind of chemistry taking place
It's the pull of Dietz himself - the chemical bond he establishes with his students.
"This is the first class that has been super interactive and I feel like I'm learning so much more than I've ever seen before and it's only been three weeks," said Madeline Ledet, an eighth grade student.
"Even though his class is hard, he's willing to help and that's what makes him a great teacher," said eighth grader, Prasanth Gurdur.
Dietz challenges students to reach high academically and to be like him.
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"I'm clearly a nerd," said Dietz.
A nerd is a high honor in a George Dietz class.
"Being a nerd is just great. You get an advantage over everyone," said Madeline.
A sign on the wall in Dietz' classroom says "Those who call you nerd now will call you boss later." The student who gets the highest grade on his tests, wears a white lab coat during class.
"That (the lab coat) lets everyone who walks in know that she had the high grade," said Dietz.
Three high grades nets a student a coveted element for display in his class. Maintaining the top grade gets them a lab coat.
In 37 years at Woodward Academy, he's taught more than 3500 students. They never forget him.
"He's an awesome teacher," said Prasanth.