“AI may be remarkable, but a human educator remains irreplaceable,” says Rob Westbrook

Originally from the United States, Rob Westbrook arrived in Central Europe to reconnect with his family’s Austrian heritage and eventually made Brno his long-term home. At NEWTON University he teaches much more than English or mathematics. His work focuses on nurturing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and empathy in a new generation of students. In this interview, he reflects on why Brno became such a significant place for him, what gives NEWTON its distinctive sense of community, and why the human presence in teaching matters more than ever in an age defined by rapid technological change.

Rob, what first brought you to the Czech Republic?

I have Austrian family roots here in South Moravia. I also wanted to live in Europe because it has always felt like a more natural environment for me than the United States. Over the past fifteen years several members of my family have moved here as well.

What surprised you most, whether in your everyday life or in your work?

When I arrived in 2001 the country still carried visible traces of its post-communist past, especially in terms of technology and convenience. The contrast with the United States, and even Austria, was striking. It has been remarkable to witness how far the country has progressed since joining the EU. Brno has become a genuine jewel during that time.

Was there a moment when you realised you wanted to stay?

To be honest, I never seriously considered leaving. The only alternative I ever thought about was Vienna. At the moment I need to remain in Brno because of shared care for my bulldog. We will see what the future brings. Prague is tempting, but I have lived in the historic centre of Brno for nearly twenty-five years.

Why did you choose NEWTON University?

In truth, NEWTON chose me. They were looking for a lecturer in the middle of a semester and contacted me. After the first week they asked if I would stay until the end. Shortly after that they asked whether I would join them for the next academic year. That was almost eleven years ago. My role has expanded a great deal since then and today I teach five different subjects, including business courses and mathematics.

How do you perceive teaching here and what distinguishes NEWTON from other institutions?

I appreciate the freedom to innovate. We have created a very strong critical thinking component within our English courses and students genuinely value it. There is nothing quite like it elsewhere. And what truly makes NEWTON different? The students. I often tell applicants that they are the reason this place is worth being part of. They form a community of curious, creative and thoughtful young people who are given the space to grow and define who they want to be.

What does working with NEWTON students give you personally?

A deep sense of fulfilment. I know that what I do has a meaningful impact. I regularly receive messages from current and former students saying that something from my classes genuinely helped them. Many tell me I was “that one teacher” who mattered the most. It is emotional and it is also what motivates me.

Do you have a memorable moment from teaching that stayed with you?

Yes. One student, an MMA fighter, stopped me during a seminar to point out that I had missed a small patch while shaving my head. He and a friend, who happened to be a barber, had clippers with them. They came to the front, one held my head and the other tidied the spot. It happened right in the middle of class and it was absolutely legendary.

You teach both English and AI. How do these areas connect in a world where AI is gaining influence?

I currently teach five subjects. AI is primarily a tool that helps us work more efficiently. However, our seminars place great emphasis on human interaction. Students meet, collaborate and learn from one another. It is not only about Business English or critical thinking. It is also about the social and interpersonal skills that many members of Gen Z are still developing.

People often say that AI is changing how we learn languages. What is your perspective?

AI makes it easier to prepare materials and adapt them to individual needs. However, when it comes to language learning, AI will never replace a human educator. Some learners may prefer AI because it allows them to avoid interaction, yet for the vast majority a teacher in the room will always be essential.

Your AI courses are very popular. What do students gain from them?

They learn how AI actually works and how closely it resembles certain aspects of the human mind. For example, we teach them to communicate with AI politely. This has a real effect because it strengthens their empathy and influences how they interact with people.

Rob Westbrook’s perspective demonstrates that modern education is not simply about following technological developments. It is about integrating new tools with humanity, curiosity and thoughtful guidance. Even as artificial intelligence becomes a standard part of university teaching, Rob’s work shows that the role of the educator remains central. He is the person in the frontline who helps students navigate uncertainty and develop a sense of their own direction.

If you would like to experience his approach in person, you can meet Rob in our Brno and Prague classrooms or at one of NEWTON University’s upcoming Open Days.