I’m Kyle Vanderniet — an educator, mentor, and lifelong learner. Beyond the classroom, I’m a father to three wonderful daughters, a woodworking enthusiast, and an advocate for mindfulness through my all-girls yoga group. I also have a deep love for travel and have been fortunate to explore many countries across Europe, gaining firsthand insight into different cultures and histories. I lived in South Korea, where I immersed myself in the language and culture, developing a strong proficiency in Korean. Whether I’m crafting a new piece in my workshop, leading a discussion on global politics, or navigating a new city abroad, I find joy in building—whether it’s furniture, ideas, or strong connections with my students. My passion for learning and teaching isn’t just a career; it’s a way of life.
My Journey in Education
My path as an educator has been shaped by a deep love of sharing what I have learned. When I was young I would learn something and immediately try to teach everyone around me so they could also appreciate dancing or soccer or where Lesotho is on a map. I was, and am, driven b an instinct of making the path easier for those who come after me and to help speed the acquisition of knowledge and skill to any who desire it. Once I embarked on the path of being an educator as a career, I gain appreciation for some of the more nuanced aspects that are so important to the profession such as guiding students with questions, giving students ownership of their own learning with projects, and scaffolding learners of different abilities with differentiated lessons.
At each stage of my own educational journey I was enriched. During my B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations I was exposed to so much of the world and the various cultures, religions, and peoples who live here. In my Master’s of Linguistics I was able to further delve into the relationship between peoples and the environment that sculpt the very way we think. And in my Master of Teaching I deepened my understanding how different our needs are and how much impact a dedicated educator can have on the course of students learning.
While I had previously had opportunities to teach fencing, ballroom, karate, it was in my linguistics program where I was the instructor of an academic discipline. The students almost unanimously took the class because it was one of only three electives, but by the second week they were all excited to be there, eager to participate. Over six years I had received an out poring of written thanks from the students and was the recipient of the Outstanding teacher award; which only validated the path I had chosen. Now I teach AP Economics at Dacula High School, where I integrate Socratic discussions, project-based learning, and real-world applications into my curriculum.
As I continue to grow as an educator, I am especially drawn to international curricula like the IB and IGCSE, which emphasize critical thinking, global citizenship, and academic rigor. My goal is to empower students to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged members of society.
Education Experience
With experience spanning education and business leadership, I have developed a strong foundation in teaching, curriculum development, leadership, and organizational management. At Dacula High School, I teach AP Economics, Political Science, and History, using Socratic discussions, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications to deepen student engagement. Before that, I taught linguistics at the University of Georgia, where I developed coursework and received strong student feedback for my rigorous and interactive approach.
Prior to my career in education, I worked in business at Legally Mine, where I created training materials, templates, site designs, and operational processes that are still in use today. I advanced to VP of Customer Service, leading both the Customer Service and Fulfillment departments. This experience gave me invaluable expertise in leadership, management, and process development, all of which continue to shape my approach to education and student engagement.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in Socratic discussion, project-based learning, and differentiation, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported. I am particularly passionate about international curricula like the IB and IGCSE, which emphasize critical thinking and global citizenship. As I continue to grow as an educator, I seek opportunities to contribute my expertise to institutions that value academic rigor and student-centered learning.
This version integrates your business experience while maintaining a strong focus on education. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!