Mr. Kevin Spachuk was a new addition to the English department last year! From teaching English in Manila to directing APAC Forensics at SAS, Mr. Spachuk’s teaching career has been nothing short of impressive. Currently, he serves as an 9th and 10th grade teacher, along with the coach of Forensics and JV Boys Soccer.
Known for his Shakespearean acting sessions and unfaltering enthusiasm for a great read, Mr. Spachuk has truly enlivened the SAS hallways with his presence. In this interview, we explore his experience as he and his family transition between distinct cultures, navigate the alleys of Shanghai, and welcome all our community’s got to offer.
Quench your curiosity, and join us in Mr. Spachuk’s story…
Q1: Can you touch upon your living and teaching experiences before coming to SAS?
A: I was at Brent International School in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is an APAC school, and I was there for 4 years.
Q2: Why did you decide to come to Shanghai and what were some expectations you had about SAS specifically?
A: Good question! Because SAS was an APAC school, we knew it was a great school. We had high expectations of the quality of the education here. My daughter was the keenest to come to China, and to come to Shanghai. She was like “Yes! I want to come here!” The two of us had to persuade my wife that we should come to SAS.
Q3: Did you experience any difficulties coming into a new city — especially during the pandemic — and making the extensive transition from one country to another?
A: It was tough! You know…I did not have any money. I mean I had cash; I had a lot of RMB cash. It took over a month to get WeChat Pay. Alipay, I got a little earlier, but I could not buy things easily. I couldn’t get materials delivered. I couldn’t get a bicycle to go on hikes. I couldn’t take a Didi. The only thing I could figure out was a train. There was not a lot in the house in terms of cooking. Also, my wife was not here. When I first came, we had to come from different countries. My wife was Japanese, so she had to come from Japan. My kids and I are U.S citizens, so we had to come from the U.S. As a family, we were separated for nearly three months, so it was indeed a hard experience.
Q4: How is teaching in the Philippines different than teaching in our school or Shanghai in general?
A: That’s a great question! I would say that this is the most grade-conscious school I’ve ever been at. Students, not just the parents, but students themselves know each other’s grades more than I’m used to. When I taught in the Philippines, it was relaxed — maybe too relaxed. Also, I had more political families I worked for in the Philippines. I don’t know how many political families are at SAS.
Q5: Why did you decide to become an English teacher, and how has your upbringing contributed to this career path?
A: I like teaching! And I like English — poetry, literature in general! I do not think that I have the ability to really make money off of writing. So therefore, teaching was a natural thing. I enjoy it, and I enjoy high school. I prefer high school over other departments like college or middle school or lower school.
Q6: How has your teaching experience in SAS been like so far?
A: It has been great! It was hectic when I first came to SAS since I cam in person in October. But the students were very welcoming. The staff had been nice to the teachers who were new and knew how to help me out. I liked working with new teachers, and I liked my department!
Q7: Is there something you enjoy or appreciate the most about our school or our community, as compared to previous experiences?
A: Oh, that’s a hard question! I guess I like the students the most! Every class I teach is great; some classes are more fun than others 😉. I think I had a good time with the students. Also, I’ve enjoyed coaching APAC Forensics and JV Boys Soccer!
Q8: In your opinion, what are some qualities that make up a good school? And what do you search for when looking for positions at a school?
A: I would say good professional development. I know that is a boring answer, but I look for schools that are always trying to help both the teachers and students learn more. Well-resourced is another crucial quality. I think that this school has a lot of materials, books, for example. Our classes are full of books that I can teach — many of which I would teach!
Q9: What are the qualities of a student you look for?
A: I am looking for students who are willing to jump into a discussion, and I can see that! Every class I’ve had has not one or two, but maybe 1/3 of the class who are ready to jump in and engage in the lessons. It has been one of the best things at this school.
Q11: Finally, since you were in distance learning in the first part of the 22-23 school year, I imagine it must have been difficult to maximize the effect of your lessons. As the school year progressed, how was your experience transitioning from online learning to in-person teaching?
A: So much better! I could not even understand that space! I have never been in the position of being the person not here, with the students being in the classroom and me being on the screen. I have been on the opposite side for two years. I was online instructing the kids, but the students were at home, and I was in my classroom, so this was the complete reversal. And now, it is wonderful to have this space! We can do acting and so much more!
The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on both our students and faculty. Hindered by the challenges of online learning and separation from family, Mr. Spachuk’s journey into SAS has brought unimaginable hardships. Nevertheless, this English teacher never failed to create a vibrant learning experience for his students, on-screen or in-person.
Today, Mr. Spachuk continues to embrace the tight-knit SAS community, working to support and create opportunities for students of all English levels.
It is always a delight for our Pudong campus to welcome such passion. We are thrilled to have Mr. Spachuk on board as an SAS Eagle, and we wish him a fulfilling experience as he soars to great heights!