New faculty member Jeff Ross discovered his calling to be an English teacher in a rather exceptional way. Ross, who also works as a graphic designer for the advancement office, began his professorial career teaching English at a high school in Thailand.

“I learned to love English by learning foreign languages on my own,” he said. “I grew to appreciate it more, enjoy it more.”

Ross taught for two years in Thailand, where he met his wife Ratchneewan, also a teacher. Before picking up teaching, he studied graphic design at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Upon his return stateside, he went to Kent State University, earning two additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Second Language and one Master of Art and Teaching. He taught at the Kent ESL center as a grad assistant, at Ellet as a student teacher and last year at North Olmsted Middle School.

At Hoban, Ross teaches three classes in the afternoon and puts his graphic design skills to use in the advancement office in the morning. He currently has two junior World Literature classes and one sophomore American Literature class. The atmosphere, students and faculty of Hoban impressed him in the first grading period.

He spoke highly of his colleagues.

“It’s humbling to see the other teachers around me, because they’re excellent people who continually work hard,” he said.

Ross was also proud of the students he has come to know since August.

“I continue to be impressed,” he said, “by the good-naturedness of our students at Hoban.”

The new teacher’s goals in the second quarter include reading longer works in his classes to foster more class discussion of literature and literary techniques.

Ross’s commitment to teaching literature in the classroom can also be attributed to his love of reading, particularly history. Other hobbies outside school include playing guitar and playing catch with his son Joseph, 9.

“I’m looking forward to Christmas and the spring and seeing the students graduate and mature,” Ross said.