The school has recently hired new international teachers. Among them is new Physics teacher, John Beling. He discusses insights about his personal life, teaching career highlights, and experiences at TCS.

According to Beling, he hopes to bring inspiration to school, as he believes that entire generations can be impacted by how educators treat their students. He believes that students’ self-esteem and personality can improve through education.

“I’m a physics teacher, but I’ll also teach them life lessons, right? And that, for me, is more important because you’re probably not going to use a lot of physics equations, that is the truth of it… but the life skills, what you learn from me, like what you can take for the rest of your life; that’s key,” Being said. 

Beling was born in the United Kingdom to an English Father and a Filipino mother. He explains the importance of his heritage on his personal development, as it has made him understand other cultures better. The most noteworthy aspect he has experienced is how students and people tend to be much more social in Colombia than in the UK. 

“I use that to my advantage. I let you guys chat at the beginning, I hear what you’re talking about, and then sometimes I will get involved in the conversation, and then I redirect you guys back to the class, by saying ‘Okay, let’s get back on track.’ So even during tasks, I allow you guys to talk as you work,” Beling said.

He understands that “kids will be kids” and implemented a calm approach, especially for Colombian students. He specified that he likes students to talk and work in groups because most of the challenges and work in life will be done in groups where communication will be crucial.

“So for me, kids are kids, and I completely understand it. You know, if somebody, for example, damages equipment, that’s that,” Beling said. 

Prior to coming to The Columbus School, Beling had only taught in the U.K. When asked to reflect on his most significant career highlight, he shared about receiving a standing ovation from graduating students at one of his previous schools. This set a clear objective as a teacher because he is determined to be one of the most appreciated and successful teachers at TCS.  

“It was one of my schools back in the UK. They had a PowerPoint for all the teachers with pictures and a message, like ‘good luck.’ But when they were going through the slides of each teacher, apparently when my slide came on, they all stood up with lots of noise. For me, that is very powerful,” Beling said.