When you walk into Mr. Seidlinger’s gym class, you might find yourself running laps, learning new soccer drills, stretching, or even taking a written test. Mr. Seidlinger, HSMSE’s new physical education and health teacher, keeps his gym classes engaging with fun gameplay, while his health classes focus on topics like nutrition, mental wellness, and overall healthy living. In this interview, he talks about his journey to HSMSE and his teaching philosophy.

Kathryn Lee: Where did you grow up?

Kevin Seidlinger: I was born in Queens, but grew up in Orange County, New York.

KL: What sports did you play when you were younger? 

KS: I played pretty much every sport when I was younger, but in high school, I did football in the fall, hockey in the winter, and track and field in the spring.

KL: Do you have any siblings?

KS: I have two sisters and a brother. There’s ups and downs with siblings, but we all have a good relationship. There’s always something fun or different happening.

KL: Do you have any pets?

KS: I have one pet, a little kitten named Lily. She’s a lot of fun, but she can be a bit of a headache.

KL: Before coming to HSMSE, where did you teach?

KS: I worked in Teacher’s Preparatory School in Brooklyn. I definitely learned a lot working there for nine years … It really taught me everything because that was the first school I was at.

KL: What did you learn from Teacher’s Preparatory School?

KS: How to handle students and behavior, and just learning how to lesson plan and do everything that has to do with being a physical education and health teacher—I did both there. I basically learned everything through trial and error.

KL: What made you decide to teach gym?

KS: My dad was a high school social studies teacher, and he once told me that if he could do it again, he’d teach physical education, because it’s more fun and less stressful than teaching the other subjects. Also, I was always into sports, so it just made sense for me. I think that the physical education teachers are the smartest teachers; we get paid the same, but our work is more relaxed since we don’t have to prepare students for any Regents.

KL: Why did you choose to come teach at HSMSE?

KS: I was looking to transfer from my old school because the commute was really long, and this is a much better opportunity. I’m loving it so far. The commute is shorter and the kids seem eager to learn, which makes my job so much more enjoyable.

KL: Why did you want to work with high school students? 

KS: I’m certified to teach K–12, but my first job was at a 6–12 school, so I got used to older students. Now, I’m not sure if I can handle the younger kids, so I like high schoolers. 

KL: What has surprised you about the HSMSE student body?

KS: How motivated you all are. It’s different from my old school, since you listen, you care about learning, and you’re open to trying new things. That makes it easier for me to challenge you in different ways. 

KL: In your classes, how do you decide what goes into your lessons?

KS: This is my tenth year [teaching] now, so I’ve got lots of experience. The lessons are already pretty much planned; I just gotta tweak them based on you guys. Generally, in a unit, I like to cover all the different skills for whatever sport or activity we are doing, and then let you guys get into gameplay because that’s [your] favorite part.

KL: Describe your teaching style. 

KS: There’s a term called a “player’s coach” in coaching, so I like to think I’m easy to work with for the students. I’m not really a big yeller, but if you guys give me a hard time, I will. I like building relationships with the kids and trying to be as transparent as possible … I like to get your perspective because I think it’s important for you guys to enjoy the class.

KL: What is your favorite part of your job?

KS: My favorite part of the job is definitely teaching physical education; I enjoy it more than teaching health. I like being in the gym and I’m a morning person, so I like having classes early. On A-Days, I only have two classes, which is great, while on B-Days I teach health last period, so I definitely prefer A-Days.

KL: What is your favorite sport to teach and why?

KS: My favorite sport growing up was always hockey, so I’m going to show you guys a floor hockey unit. At first, when I tell the kids we’re playing hockey, they’re like, “Really?” However, as soon as you hand them a hockey stick, they start enjoying themselves.

KL: Outside of school, what hobbies do you have?

KS: I like to travel and stay active. I’m in a hockey league, and I enjoy hiking and things like that. My favorite thing to do is definitely travel; that’s actually one of the reasons I like being a teacher. You get time off to do that.

KL: Do you have any advice for HSMSE students?

KS: To do well in my class, all you have to do is listen and give your best effort. Ask questions, try to get better, and focus on improving yourself. I think that goes for life in general: Just put your best foot forward and always try to do your best, whatever your goals are.

Mr. Seidlinger’s goal is to keep teaching at HSMSE while helping students stay active, confident, and motivated. He puts it best: “I don’t want to just do stuff because we’re supposed to; I want you guys to learn and have a good time.”