New Teacher Spotlight: Dr. David Schwei
New Teacher Spotlight: Dr. David Schwei
By: Julia Sessions ’18
September 22, 2017
The World Language Department welcomed a fresh face to their faculty this academic year, Dr. David Schwei. The Latin teacher was introduced to the language in high school, taking Latin courses “because of a fascination with Greek and Roman mythology.”
Dr. Schwei majored in Classics in college, which further grew his love for ancient Roman culture. The majors of this discipline studied abroad in Rome, on a semester-long trip, something he says made him “curious about a whole new aspect of antiquity: the ancient world of things, archaeology”. This curiosity led him to participate in an excavation in Pompeii in 2011, attend a summer seminar about ancient coins in 2012 and write his doctoral dissertation about the spread of Rome’s power as it related to the production of coins. He attended graduate school at the University of Cincinnati, where he gained experience teaching Latin courses to college students. During the last school year he taught courses about ancient Rome at both Ohio University and the University of Dayton. “I missed teaching Latin, and I wanted to teach more energetic students, help students develop as people and have more student-centered, discussion-based classes,” he shared. “Episcopal offers me all of these opportunities and a warm, welcoming community. I am very happy to join this school and to help my friendly students grow in their knowledge of Latin and as people.”
What did you want to be when you were growing up/ would your younger self be surprised you are a teacher?
I don’t quite remember what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I know that idea changed a lot. I have thought a lot recently about how I got here, and I don’t think my younger self would be too surprised that I am a teacher now. I have always wanted to help people and the larger community. Teaching is a great way to do that.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to read and write, cook and camp, swim and go to the beach, canoe, hike and bike, sew and knit, as well as watch movies.
Tell me something interesting about yourself.
While I was studying abroad in Rome, I developed a deep interest in Roman latrines and sewers.
What is your favorite place to eat in Jacksonville and why?
I am not sure yet. I moved here a few weeks before school started, so I am still learning the city and finding good places. I am open to suggestions, but my vegetarianism may limit the options a little. I’d love to find somewhere that specializes in vegetarian cuisine.