Full Name: Daniel E. Kim
Background: I was born in South Korea and moved to the U.S. (Salt Lake City) when I was 9. First day of school in the country was quite interesting since I didn't speak English at all! I am still thankful today for some wonderful teachers and friends during my first years in this country. I lived in UT, CA, NY, and now in KY. Moving around frequently can be difficult, but it comes with a huge benefit: meeting a diverse group of people! I like to travel, and I have visited many states and numerous national parks. I've also visited Venezuela and Brazil during college on concert tours.
Married?: Yes, to my beautiful wife Amy.
Children?: Nathan and Caleb.
Siblings: Younger sister Hannah who lives in NYC. She went to Manual, but she really is a fantastic person!
Education: Bachelor of Science (Biometry & Statistics) '04, Master of Arts in Teaching '05 (7-12 Mathematics Education) both from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY
# of Years Teaching: 2019 - 2020 school year is my 15th year.
Courses Taught: I've taught all high school mathematics courses except for Algebra 1 and Calculus. This year I am teaching Advanced Geometry and Advanced Placement Statistics, as well as a new course called AP Research. If you are a motivated freshman, ask me about the AP Capstone diploma/certificate program!
Hobbies and Interests: Church worship team (piano & vocals), quality time with family, gardening (home-grown veggies are the best), cooking, and tennis.
Favorite Sports Teams: Cornell Ice Hockey & Lacrosse (Let's Go Red!), Butler Univ. Basketball (Go Dawgs!), Ohio St. Football (Go Bucks!). Don't ever disrespect these three great school when you are around me! If you are a fan of Harvard, Notre Dame or Michigan, you and I need to sit down and talk. :-)
What I Love To See: Students who are diligent and take learning seriously. Students who let their efforts rise above their excuses, understanding that the path to success has no shortcuts. Students who believe that hard work and self-discipline - not intelligence alone - are the real keys to accomplishments.
What Really Bothers Me: Students who engage in cheating of any form. They risk everything, and gain nothing. Students who have a "fixed mindset", thinking that they can only reach up to a certain predetermined level of success. Students who deliberately and consistently make poor choices.
Misc: I challenge my classes to a friendly competition during the annual Salvation Army Food Drive. The winning class receives a dessert party, including my specialty: Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Cake. Be prepared to bring in a lot of cans for this awesome school-wide effort!