Martin Suresh did not plan to become a teacher.
“It’s interesting… I didn’t always think I would [teach],” said Suresh, who currently teaches computer science, serves as the Head Coach for the Cross Country team, helps the Robotics Club and coaches Track and Field.
“I didn’t really choose. I went to school for engineering, but I would say later in life, I started… doing some high school cross-country and track coaching,” Suresh said. That experience, he said, “led me to realize that I enjoyed working with young people… That’s how I ended up getting into teaching.”
Suresh has been working at Sidwell for 13 years. When he arrived at Sidwell, Suresh, an avid runner who ran at MIT, began “coaching but not teaching,” he said. “I got to know the then-Head of School Tom Farquhar, who inspired me to explore teaching further. He even invited me to teach at a new school he was starting in Dubai. That was an out-there idea, but it got me thinking.”
Suresh’s favorite part of teaching and coaching is the students.
“They are interesting, fun, keep me on my toes and that’s really why I do this,” he said. “I also like the freedom I have as a teacher and coach to kind of do what I think is best for our students and I have the support of our administration.” Suresh also appreciates Sidwell’s running community. His favorite memory at Sidwell is “going to New Balance Outdoor Nationals with the girls 4 by 800 team in my second year here. It was cool.”
His office, his favorite spot on campus, is lined with framed awards from meets over the years. Suresh likes to run in the little free time he has “between teaching, coaching and taking care of” his two young children. He has also recently started playing Clash Royale.
Just as his students inspire Suresh, he also inspires many students.
Suresh is “really genuine and supportive,” senior Madeleine Davant, a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field Programs, said.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs throughout my running career and he’s been nothing but hilarious to carry me though hard days and tough to push me when I need encouragement, she added. “He’s so loved throughout the Sidwell community, but especially the running one.”
“He has been super funny and helpful, teaching us the skills and tools we need to learn CS,” Avery Chen, a freshman taking computer science, added. “He has made learning CS a fun experience and teaches us in a very constructive way.”
