Panthers of ISKL #296: Tom Musk - The Cross Country Panther
I’ve been the Varsity Cross-Country Coach for the last three years and an assistant coach for several years before that. What keeps me coming back is that I love to see young people set goals and push themselves hard to achieve them. The skills they learn in this sport will translate to other difficult tasks in their lives, like their academics.
Meet Tom Musk, an IB Economics and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher whose journey has taken him across the globe. He shares why he joined ISKL, his passion for teaching, and his pride in coaching the IASAS Cross-Country team. Join us as he offers a glimpse into his life, both inside and outside the classroom, and reveals why he's a proud Panther.
Here is Tom’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, but I currently count Vancouver Island as my home. Prior to arriving at ISKL, my family and I spent seven years in Shanghai, and before that, we were in Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Thailand.
When and why did you join ISKL?
We loved our stay in Shanghai, but my wife Tara and I wanted to expose our children to several countries before they graduated, so we made the decision to move on. ISKL was at the top of our international school wish list because it has a strong reputation for excellent work conditions, a robust education program for our children, a vibrant international school community, not to mention it is a hub for travel in the region.
After working here for seven years, I can confidently confirm that all of these reasons are true!
Can you tell us more about your Social Studies teacher position? What are your daily activities?
I see myself primarily as an IB Economics and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher, with some World Studies sprinkled in for variety. In my opinion, IB Economics may be the most relevant, contemporary high school course I have ever taught. Not a day passes that I don’t read IB Economics content in the newspapers. Especially now!
TOK is a very different teaching experience: it is an epistemology philosophy course that encourages students to think about ‘how we know’. Given that it is discussion-based, it can be challenging to teach because I never know what direction the class will take. Activities that I think may take 15 minutes may take 50 minutes, and vice versa. All I can do is prepare a set of provocative questions and then be flexible enough to ride the wave. One thing I can say about my teaching position is that it is never routine.
Please tell us more about your coaching experience with the IASAS Cross Country team. What are you most proud of?
I have been the Varsity Cross-Country Coach for three years now and an assistant coach for several years before that. What keeps me coming back is that I love to see young people set goals and then push themselves hard to achieve them. The skills they learn in this sport will translate to other difficult tasks in their lives, like their academics. At the end of the season, all the athletes feel a sense of accomplishment, and this is what I am most proud of. In my mind, the cross-country athlete is a special athlete: one who has mental toughness and perseverance.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
Clearly, the most enjoyable part of my job is spending time with the students. Over the course of a year or more, I can forge meaningful relationships with them while helping them achieve their academic and personal goals. It is why I am in this profession. As for the most challenging, that is also easy. Teaching requires enormous time and effort. We are ‘on stage’ for hours a day, while being responsible for students' academic achievements. Like all of my colleagues, I very much want to help my students be as successful as possible. Because of this, it can be hard to find a work-life balance.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I enjoy physical activities of all sorts: I exercise most days before school, and I enjoy playing golf (depending on the day). My family and I love the outdoors. In Canada, we hike, paddle, camp, and do everything else; in Southeast Asia, we scuba dive and surf. I also love reading non-fiction.
Which Panther are you?
🐾 The Most Onz Panther – (Onz means nothing is impossible)
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m the most onz panther because I see all that I get done in a single year at this school, and I am amazed.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka ISKL because it is a true international school founded on the right values of community and personal growth.
What does ISKL’s Vision statement, “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world,” mean to you?
It is the encapsulation of how I want to live my life. I spent years learning who I was, and now I spend my time helping young people realize their ambitions, knowing that the future will be better because of it.
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.