In this inspiring episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Seth D. King—teacher, writer, minister, and educational innovator whose mission reaches far beyond the classroom. For more than two decades, Dr. King has dedicated his life to helping young people discover not only academic success, but character, purpose, and peace.
Teaching AP Computer Science, English, and leading a technology career pathway in Los Angeles, Dr. King believes that education is about far more than preparing students for careers. It’s about preparing them for life.
Teaching Is More Than a Profession—It’s a Calling
For Dr. King, teaching has never been simply a job.
“Teaching is my calling. It’s my passion.”
Growing up with three younger brothers, he discovered early that helping others learn came naturally. Today, he approaches every classroom with the same commitment: to help students recognize their own potential and believe they can create a future worth pursuing.
His measure of success is remarkably simple:
“I want my success to only be measured upon their success.”
Reaching Students Through Creativity
One of the most unique aspects of Dr. King’s teaching is his use of rap music as an educational tool.
What began as an experiment in courage after participating in Landmark programs became a powerful bridge to his students. By writing and performing positive, uplifting rap, Dr. King discovered a creative way to capture students’ attention while reinforcing messages of confidence, kindness, and perseverance.
His lyrics don’t tear people down—they lift people up.
The same spirit led him to create the Youth Empowerment Peace Program, where students organize talent shows, express themselves creatively, and discover leadership skills they never knew they had. Rather than simply entertaining, the program gives young people a safe space to build confidence, courage, and community.
Teaching Character Alongside Academics
Whether he’s teaching literature or computer science, Dr. King believes the most important lessons aren’t found in textbooks.
Every Friday, he intentionally incorporates lessons on:
- Integrity
- Kindness
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- Peace
- Courage
- Self-awareness
He reminds students that while technical knowledge matters, character determines how they’ll use it.
As he puts it simply:
“I teach love, truth, and peace.”
Helping Students Discover Their Own Possibility
Throughout the conversation, Dr. King shares how Landmark distinctions have influenced his teaching. Rather than telling students who they should become, he creates space for them to discover new possibilities for themselves.
One exercise asks students to identify ways they can choose to “be”:
- Focused
- Committed
- Loving
- Courageous
- Encouraging
- Peaceful
Instead of concentrating only on what they do, students begin exploring who they are being—a distinction that shapes how they approach every aspect of life.
Education as Peacebuilding
Peace is a recurring theme throughout the interview.
For Dr. King, peace isn’t simply the absence of conflict. It’s an inner practice that can be taught, strengthened, and shared.
He encourages students to:
- Tell the truth about what they’re experiencing.
- Develop self-awareness.
- Listen deeply to others.
- Choose kindness even in difficult situations.
These are skills, he believes, that are every bit as important as reading, writing, or coding.
Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom
Dr. King’s commitment extends well beyond his own school. He also serves as Director of Communications for the Greenland Development Foundation, supporting environmental initiatives like the Plant Trees for Peace movement founded by Gashaw Tahir, another Landmark Difference Makers guest. Through his writing and advocacy, he helps advance projects that combine environmental restoration, education, and community leadership.
Whether mentoring students, supporting global environmental efforts, or serving in ministry, his purpose remains the same: helping people discover what’s possible.
A Legacy of Kindness
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Dr. King doesn’t mention awards, achievements, or professional success.
Instead, he offers a deeply human answer:
“I hope students remember me as someone who loved them, treated them with respect and dignity, and helped them see what was possible.”
It’s a fitting reflection of a life dedicated to education—not simply as the transfer of knowledge, but as the cultivation of hope.
✨ Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Seth D. King share how creativity, character, and compassion are transforming classrooms—and why peace may be one of the most important subjects we can ever teach.
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