“I love the wealth of opportunity at this school. Whatever or wherever their passion lies, students can explore it at ISKL and find others who share their enthusiasm. The same goes for adults; that type of opportunity doesn’t exist in many places.”

Meet Shaun Humphries, a High School English teacher at ISKL since 2020. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Shaun was a corporate writer in the finance and insurance industry before changing his path to becoming an English teacher.

After completing his service this June, Shaun and his wife, Trina Cobbledick (Director of Student Services), are embarking on an exciting new chapter. They will move to Nairobi, where they will work at the International School of Kenya and enjoy the many opportunities to go on safari trips!

Here is Shaun’s story:

Do tell us more about yourself.

I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada—the Queen City! I lived and worked there until I was in my early 30s, receiving a Journalism degree and working as a corporate writer in the finance and insurance industry.
In 2011, my wife Trina and I moved to Sri Lanka to start a two-year volunteering opportunity in the mental health sector. From that point on, we were hooked on international living and escaping the frigid Canadian winters.

When and why did you join ISKL? What were your first days like?

Trina and I joined ISKL in 2015. Trina taught in the Middle School, and I was a dreaded “trailing spouse.” I was excited about the opportunity to explore new opportunities in Malaysia but also terrified of the unknown and the sense of not belonging anywhere. So, to be honest, my first days and years were spent questioning if I had made the right decision to move to Malaysia, but over time, it’s become a great move for my life and career.

Describe your most memorable moment/s at ISKL.

My foot into the ISKL community was through coaching a variety of sports in Middle and High School, such as cross-country, basketball, track, and football (soccer). I’ve lost count, but there were definitely well over 20 teams. My favorite memories are of early morning practices, IASAS championships, and personal bests.

What will you miss most about ISKL?

The students. They make coming to work each day so engaging and rewarding, especially compared to my days in the corporate world.

Can you share a saying or idea you learned or experienced at ISKL that you will always carry?

Opportunity – I love the wealth of opportunity at this school. Whatever or wherever their passion lies, students can explore it at ISKL and find others who share their enthusiasm.
The same goes for adults; that type of opportunity doesn’t exist in many places.

Do you have any advice to offer for new faculty members who are joining the community?

Get involved! Even if it’s just one thing to start. I know it’s super overwhelming when you first arrive; however, the faster you connect with the community outside your classroom, the more you’ll feel at home.

Who or what is your source of inspiration?

The easy answer is our students. However, as an advisor to the student Service Learning club Tether, another source of inspiration for me is all those ISKL staff members working behind the scenes. Tether is a club that seeks to build understanding and connections with our admin staff, cleaners, security guards, bus monitors, and cafeteria workers. While not often in the spotlight, these people keep the school running smoothly and do so with a smile.

And, just to add a small plug, Tether still needs an adviser for next school year. So, please consider joining this great group of kids who are looking to make ISKL a more inclusive place!

What are your plans once you leave ISKL?

We’re off to the International School of Kenya in Nairobi. I’ll be teaching English and going on safari!

What does ‘“Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world”’ mean to you?

It’s simply a great way to live a meaningful, engaged life.

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.