Mr. Benjamin Light, a sixth-grade science teacher at Columbus School in Medellín, has been shaping young minds for over 15 years. Known for his innovative teaching style and deep care for his students, Mr. Light’s journey into education is as unique as his approach to teaching, as well as his commitment to making a difference in the lives of his students.

Mr. Light’s path to teaching was not a straight line. After dropping out of college with a GPA of 1.2, he joined the Air Force, where he spent four years before returning to school. It was during this second attempt at higher education that he discovered his calling.

“I thought about it, and my grandfather was a superintendent of schools in Indiana. My mom was a speech pathologist and was going to be a professor. So I was like, you know what, I think the world is telling me to go into teaching,” Mr. Light shared.

Mr. Light’s teaching career began in Orlando, Florida, where he taught fourth grade. However, it was his move to Medellín that truly defined his journey. His connection to Colombia is very special.

“A week before school started 16 years ago at Columbus School, a teacher quit. The principal called me up and said, ‘Hey, do you want to come move in a week and teach?’ And since my wife (girlfriend at the time) was from Colombia and also working at TCS, I was like, ‘Yeah, cool.’ So I took a position in first grade.”

Since then, Mr. Light has become a cornerstone of the Columbus School community, first in Elementary and now in Middle School. His teaching style is marked by creativity and a focus on student well-being. “When I was in his class he always let us take a lot of breaks. He inspired us in many different ways,” said Mariana Echavarría, a former student.

Mr. Light’s dedication to his students goes beyond academics. He takes the time to understand their personal lives and challenges, creating a supportive learning environment. “He always inquired about many details and took the time to get to know his students,” Echavarría added.

One of Mr. Light’s defining moments as an educator came when he introduced a “bring your own device” program in 2012, making him one of the first teachers in Colombia and South America to embrace technology in the classroom. However, his perspective on technology has evolved over the years.

“I thought technology would change everything. Then, after studying it, I realized good teaching is what really matters,” Light reflected. “I worry about students’ habits with technology. If you’re used to playing games on your computer, and then you’re asked to do work, your brain uses energy to not play the game. That energy could be used for learning.”

Mr. Light’s passion for teaching continues to drive him after 15 years at Columbus School. As for the future, he remains committed to his students and the TCS community. “I have no plans to leave. My family is here and they’re happy, which makes me happy to stay. I love being here,” he affirmed.

When asked how she would describe Mr. Light to someone who has never met him, Mariana Echavarría summed it up perfectly: “He’s a person with a passion for teaching and caring for others, which makes him stand out.”

Mr. Light has a legacy at TCS that very few teachers have achieved. His longevity, passion, and innovation have forged an unwavering commitment to his students. His story shows the impact one dedicated teacher can have on countless lives.