Kizzi (Barton) Danh has been teaching math at Hanger Hall since November
of 2009. Kizzi thinks that math is extremely fun and useful and she absolutely loves teaching girls how to be successful math students. She loves to create connections between what students are learning from the textbook and what is happening in the “real word”. Girls are encouraged to sharpen the tools in their math tool belt so that they are well prepared to approach various problems in life with confidence.
Kizzi grew up in a small ski town in Vermont; in a house built by her ancestors in 1789. She always knew that she was interested in education, so she chose to attend Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Kizzi focused her studies on public health and science education, but upon graduating decided that she needed a few adventures before she began her career as a teacher. The first adventure led Kizzi to Chicago for several years where she managed restaurants and coordinated corporate hospitality at major sporting events. Her next adventure was a return to her hometown where she taught math and science for 3 years at a private ski and snowboard academy. After 28 years of living in the North, it was time for a southern adventure, and luckily, Kizzi found her way to Asheville. She and her husband, Andy, fell in love with Asheville, and were married here in the spring of 2011. They welcomed their daughter Cora in 2013 and she is looking forward to becoming a Hanger Hall girl in a few years.
Kizzi has developed a solid math curriculum that effectively addresses the varying needs of all students. In addition to addressing the Common Core standards, Kizzi teaches students about organization, problem solving, note taking, and preparing for tests and quizzes. Kizzi loves to use fun tricks to remember things in math, so you will often hear singing or see beautiful art work coming from the math room.
In 6th grade math, the focus is on solidifying arithmetic foundations and skills. The 7th grade curriculum delves into pre-algebra with some really fun units on geometry and trigonometry. All students in the 8th grade take Math I; at the end of the year Kizzi gives individual recommendations for high school math. For students who like additional challenges, Hanger Hall competes in the state high school mathematics competition for Math I. The math team meets with Kizzi throughout the year to prepare for this springtime competition held at Western Carolina University.
