Panthers of ISKL #264: Darrick Couts - The Science Educator
“I love the adventure and story of science. Our students are just as capable as some of the most brilliant minds in the world with a little help. I want students to explore the wonder in the world around them and gain tools to figure out the answers and solutions themselves. ”
Meet Darrick Couts, a passionate Middle School Science teacher who brings curiosity, adventure, and hands-on learning to the classroom.
With 18 years of international teaching experience spanning South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye, Hungary, and Malaysia, he thrives on helping students uncover the world's wonders. His love for learning and mentorship shines through in various ways, whether sparking excitement with a space unit, coaching basketball, or keeping up with the latest student slang.
Here is Darrick’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in the middle of the US at a young age. I dabbled in many things, playing multiple sports, participating in student council, and volunteering. I wanted to major in everything at university but chose education because we can do it all.
I've taught internationally for 18 years and have lived and worked in many places before Malaysia, including South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye, and Hungary, as both a science and math teacher.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL in August 2023. ISKL is a wonderful school in a wonderful country with wonderful people. It was also a great opportunity for my wife and me to work in a diverse and exciting community.
Can you tell us more about your position as an MS Science teacher? What are your daily activities?
I'm currently a Grade 7 and 8 Science teacher. I love the adventure and story of science. Our students are just as capable as some of the most brilliant minds in the world with a little help. I want students to explore the wonder in the world around them and gain tools to figure out the answers and solutions themselves. I try to have hands-on experiential learning in almost every class and have students figure out what they need to learn from these experiences. Furthermore, I believe that science skills are just as important as the content, so these are also built into the classes.
Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?
I'm currently excited about the sound unit, where students can bring in their instruments and see how and why they work. Also, in this unit, we look at some challenges around that school that we can develop ideas to solve.
Furthermore, I'm always excited about the space unit, which is coming up and culminating in a project describing what an exoplanet would be like.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The answer to both of these questions is students. Students bring so much joy to my work, academically, by seeing them get it and develop new knowledge and skills.
But as people, I love seeing and hearing about students’ passions (in conversations, sports, concerts, and plays). I enjoy getting to know them as people. I also enjoy students telling me the latest slang (which I still don't understand). On the flip side, sometimes, like all of us, students don't make the best decisions, and having to help them with that or seeing such potential that is not being fully utilized is challenging.
We understand that you love sports and are a basketball coach. Please tell us more.
Basketball is a fun sport to coach and play. There is always something new to learn, new strategies, new drills, and new skills. At ISKL, I have coached U-13 boys' basketball over the last two years. I enjoy seeing students develop their skills so fast at this age, come together, and create a culture of excellence and perseverance in the sport.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I enjoy running, hiking, reading, playing board games, playing music, and reading interesting things in both the science realm (like NASA) and the science fiction realm (like Star Wars)
Who or what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from so many sources.
First of all, as cliche as it sounds, I'm inspired by my father, who, also a teacher, is one of the most positive and service-oriented people I know. Secondly, also cliche, my family inspires me. I know I am biased, but they are amazing and do amazing things. And for the third cliche, inspiration, my students inspire me. I see all the talents and skills they have developed or are developing during their Middle School years. This could be music, sports, learning, creativity, perseverance, etc. Then we see the even more amazing things they do in High School. I have to be on top of my game to contribute to these amazing individuals. For all of these, I want to continue to improve and be like them so I can be better to better others.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
There are so many to choose from, as ISKL is very memorable. But I would have to say my first Malaysia Week was an amazing time. More specifically, I trusted strangers with the students abseiling down a 100-meter cliff while supporting and encouraging them to "take the leap!"
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" mean to you?
It means I'm not done yet. I know that I have strengths, limitations, and interests, and with that knowledge, I am continually developing as a person. Then, knowing who you are allows you to step outside of yourself to truly care for all others because you aren't doing it selfishly. Lastly, we change the world through our spheres of influence, and if I make a positive difference in one's life, I change the world bit by bit. And if we keep doing the little things, how great will the world be!
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.