Teachers In the Spotlight: Seth Zeiter

 1  Where are you from and where did you grow up?

I’m from Ohio in the US and grew up in a small town called Fremont.

 2  Tell us about your Educational background + teaching experience?

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in English as a Second Language from Arizona State University. I’m currently working on my dissertation on English language education policy in Arizona for my Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning Design and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have been teaching for 7 years, with all but 6 months of those years being in China.

 3  When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher?

I realized I wanted to become a teacher during my second year of teaching. I initially came to China because I wanted to live abroad for a little while and learn a foreign language, and I had an opportunity through my university after I graduated to do that if I taught. But as I was teaching, I realized I actually liked the job and made it into a career!

 4  Who is your biggest role model?

I’d say my biggest role model is either my father or my sister, but both for similar reasons. They both have a lot of integrity and work ethic, which are both things I strive to have and keep in my own life, so they will often do what needs to be done regardless of how hard it is to do. I try to hold myself to a similar standard, often because I look up to them.

 5  What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy most about them?

My two main hobbies are music and games. Music is a great way for me to relax, and I have a couple of instruments with me – a piano and a guitar – that I can play depending on how I feel. A piano is a great instrument for if I feel like having a challenge, and the guitar is great for just relaxing. Games, for me, are a hybrid between those because I can focus on getting better and really analyzing how I can improve or I can just have fun and relax.

 6   What is most rewarding about your job?

My favourite part of the job is those “lightbulb moments” that students have throughout the year. It’s great to physically see the moments of clarity that they have – when all your work just falls into place for them.

 7   If you could be in any musical or movie or a book character what would it be? Why?

The universe of How to Train Your Dragon seems too fun to pass up! Most stories in the West depict dragons to be fierce, greedy creatures, but a universe where you could befriend a dragon as a pet or companion would be a cool one to live in.

 8  What food is like a guilty pleasure to you?

American Taco Bell has to be it. It’s not real Mexican food and it’s absolutely terrible for you, but it’s something I’ve always enjoyed as a quick, greasy meal. Also, given that I live in China, I have to travel all the way back to the US to get it. Shanghai is good, but it doesn’t count!

 9  Describe yourself in 3 words.

Honest, curious, easy-going

 10  Tell us about your experiences living in China and Suzhou.

I find China pretty easy to live in, overall. The hustle and bustle of the entire country is a bit difficult to get used to coming from a town that was lucky to break 1000 people at any event – even after living here as long as I have and marrying a Chinese citizen – but that also usually means there’s enough to do to keep you entertained. Suzhou is especially good for this because there are places you can go to “escape” the city for a bit and just relax.

 11   How do you find teaching Chinese students/or students?

Aside from the language, I don’t notice a whole lot different between teaching Chinese students or American students. There are some cultural differences – Chinese students tend to be a bit more reserved when talking in class, for instance – but kids are kids, with all the wants, needs, and challenges that come with that. Overall, there are details I need to be aware of (students love spending more time than is probably necessary on an assignment to eke out every point), but there isn’t anything that has made me completely change how I teach.

 12   Any advice to students at Dulwich International High School Suzhou?

Just do your best! Things may seem challenging now, but they’re to prepare you for challenges in the future. If you work hard and apply yourself, you’ll find that you’ll grow to meet each new challenge.

 13   Favourite: Book, Film, Video Game? Why?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a video game that I think everyone ought to experience. Everyone knows the seminal books, plays, poems, and movies that everyone should watch – the Hamlets and Casablancas of the world – but very few people talk about seminal video games! It’s only 3 years old, but it’s a game that has inspired wonder and awe in myself and countless others I know. It’s definitely something to be experienced fresh, with no knowledge of what’s to come. It has even inspired ways I think about teaching because it’s so well-designed!

 14    What are your plans for the next 5 years

Within the next year or so, I hope to complete my dissertation and officially earn the title of “Dr.” After that, I hope I can improve myself as a teacher as well as help the school with leadership in some way.