While some teachers focus on curriculum without emphasizing soft skill development, Carlmont math teacher Dan Nguyen takes a different approach.
Nguyen, who has taught Algebra II/Trigonometry and Precalculus at Carlmont since 2015, aims to help students not only improve their math skills but also learn life lessons.
“There are opportunities for life lessons within a math curriculum and chances for students to get introspective and develop new life skills in the math classroom,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen has been interested in working with youth since middle school. After taking a semester of actuarial science, he realized it wasn’t for him and decided to pursue teaching instead.
“My entire career has been in education. I taught for one year in Illinois, where I’m from, before moving to California and joining Carlmont,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen believes math is important because it teaches students to think critically and tackle complex problems — skills that can be applied both inside and outside the classroom. He stays true to this belief by ensuring all his students grasp the material and receive the help they need.
“During lessons, he walks around and ensures each student understands the material,” said freshman Connor Hoang.
In addition to delivering content-heavy lessons, Nguyen strives to make his classes engaging and enjoyable, building stronger relationships with his students.
“He had the passion and knew how to keep students engaged with review games like Sticky Ball. That was just one of the many reasons to look forward to his class every day,” said junior Brant Chung.
While Nguyen creates an engaging learning environment, he remains focused on helping students reach their full potential.
“If I ever got lazy with homework, he would hold me accountable, and this has helped me stay diligent with my math assignments,” Chung said.
Nguyen hopes his class will enhance both the hard and soft skills of his students while also fostering relationships that support their overall growth.
“He showed genuine interest in the students, often asking about their lives and sharing events from his own life as well,” Chung said.
Outside of teaching, Nguyen enjoys rock climbing and live music. He has been rock climbing since 2018 and serves as the advisor for Carlmont’s Climbing Club.
“My favorite band is Phish,” Nguyen said. “They’re a jam band that started in the 1980s.”
Nguyen’s dedication to teaching leaves a lasting impact on his students as they progress in their academic and personal lives.
“The joy of teaching is getting to know students, working with them, and seeing their personalities come out in the classroom,” Nguyen said.
