Matthew Zeik is a 5th-grade teacher at The Highlands School in Irving, Texas, where six of the BeatiDudes’ kids attend. Mr. Zeik takes his spot at the tiny table during Catholic Schools Week to share his love for teaching and his unique pathway to get there.

After entering a minor seminary at thirteen years old, Mr. Zeik spent more than half his life pursuing a religious vocation before discerning his exit. During his time at the seminary, he had the opportunity to work in schools, and he loved it. He discovered his passion for Catholic education and decided to pursue teaching. Twenty years later, he still teaches with the same enthusiasm and spark as when he started.

Mr. Zeik grew up in St. Louis and is the second oldest of eleven kids. After meeting his wife, Estela, the couple moved to Naples, Florida for work. Several kids and a move to California later, they finally made their way to Texas. Being an equal distance away from family in Mexico and St. Louis makes Dallas the perfect home for their family during this chapter of life.

The show finishes with a great game of “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?” so grab a pen and play along with Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, Jeff Schiefelbein, and Mr. Matthew Zeik.