“I enjoy interacting with colleagues of my age and young people. The school workplace is dynamic in what we do and the people who spend their days here. I”m fortunate to spend my days discussing math, something I like, and the students I teach are grateful for the education they are receiving—I feel appreciated.”
Meet Seth Tyler, a HS IB Math Teacher and Math Department Head who joined the ISKL community in 2015. Seth grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and taught at a public school in Oregon before moving to Helsinki to work in an international school. He then started working at ISKL.
Seth has been the coach for the Varsity Soccer and Golf teams and has brought the weekly ISKL community football events back on campus. He also plays football in a men’s football league here in KL for the KLIFC (Kuala Lumpur International Football Club) team and enjoys spending time with his family.
Here is Seth’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in the US.
From 2002 to 2006, I taught mathematics in the public school system of Portland, Oregon, in the US Pacific Northwest.
After that, I moved with my now-wife, Elina, to Helsinki, Finland. There, I taught mathematics at the International School of Helsinki from 2006 to 2015.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL in August of 2015. The main reason for joining ISKL was our desire to move to South East Asia. The reputation of ISKL is really in high regard around the world. I was already familiar with the school during my time in Finland, and the opportunity to live in Malaysia and work at ISKL was just too good to pass up!
Can you tell us more about your IB Mathematics Teacher & Mathematics Department Head position? What are your daily activities?
My daily activities as an IB Mathematics Teacher are similar to those of any other teacher. I prepare and deliver lessons, guide students in mathematics learning, and contribute to the department’s development.
As a Mathematics Department Head, some of my duties include assisting in placing new students into the appropriate mathematics course, managing the department budget, ordering supplies, and assisting in the teaching assignments for each academic year.
Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?
Recently, I have been working with the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) to help create assessment materials. It has been a great learning experience to become familiar with the processes the IBO uses in creating its proprietary materials, and it has been professionally fulfilling to collaborate and learn with individuals who have been working with the IBO for decades and who live in various parts of the world.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
Indeed, the most enjoyable part of my job is the workplace culture. I enjoy interacting with colleagues of my age and young people. The school workplace is dynamic in what we do and the people who spend their days here. I am fortunate to spend my days discussing mathematics, something I like, and the students I teach are grateful for the education they are receiving—I feel appreciated.
The most challenging part of any teacher’s job is juggling the many things that come across one’s desk daily. However, the mathematics department has a terrific team of teachers that I can always count on to help me accomplish the tasks.
You have been the Assistant Coach for IASAS Girls’ Soccer and Head Coach for the IASAS Boys’ Golf tournament. What made you decide to do this, and what do you enjoy most about being a coach?
I grew up playing soccer (football) and have continued to play it in my adult life. I wanted to coach soccer because I love the game and have knowledge and skills that I can offer the students. Although I have only played golf for a few years and am certainly not a good golfer, I can help players improve their game. The best aspect of coaching is helping the individual players and the team improve and set and achieve goals.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
Recently, my interests have centered around football. I helped to bring back ISKL community football on Wednesday evenings, where faculty, staff, parents, and alumni come together to play a friendly football game once a week. Additionally, I play in a men’s football league here in KL for the KLIFC (Kuala Lumpur International Football Club) team.
Other than that, I spend time with my wife and kids.
Who or what inspires you?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the people around me.
My wife is an artist who works independently in a creative field. She is dynamic and can juggle a dozen things at once – I want to be more like that. I also draw inspiration from my students. They are full of energy and desire to learn, improve, and grow as people. School environments can be a good source of inspiration.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
My best memories of ISKL will always be the graduations. It’s wonderful to see all the smiling faces of the parents, guests, and faculty participating in celebrating an important milestone in the students’ lives.
What does ‘”Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world”‘ mean to you?
This is the Golden Rule repackaged: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I like it. Knowing yourself requires reflection, caring for others involves empathy, and creating a better world gives you all the direction you need.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
