Philip Yoo recently joined The Hill School faculty as a math fellow teaching Integrated Math 11 and 31. He will also serve as an assistant coach for the fencing team this winter. Yoo is currently shadowing in Director of Instrumental Music Margaret Neiswender’s adviser group and is an affiliate in the US West dorm. 

Originally born in the Bronx, New York, Yoo attended Hobart College with a fencing scholarship. He has previously taught in Nanuet, New York, and had just returned from a trip abroad before coming to Hill. Yoo decided to look into this position after his friend, Spanish Fellow Elena Dauphinais, recommended it to him. Yoo did not start to appreciate math until college, and this has influenced his teaching style.

“My favorite part of teaching is getting to see students get excited about learning,” Yoo said. “If they aren’t excited, getting to motivate them is best because learning should be fun.” 

Yoo’s change of heart toward math made him a great candidate for the job, according to Dean of Faculty Elizabeth Dollhopf.

“Someone who has familiarity with the struggle in math but found a way to love it can relate to many of our students, and [Yoo’s] approachable personality will make students feel comfortable going to him for help,” Dollhopf said.

Outside of the classroom, Yoo is most excited about coaching next season and pushing the Hill’s team. Yoo fenced competitively for five years and has been coaching for the past five years. This experience will allow him to challenge Hill’s fencing team and help them develop their strategy and perseverance in every bout.

“He seems to be a passionate person and I believe his addition to the team will definitely have a positive impact on every player,” said Leo Shi ’21, a two-year fencer.

The environment and opportunity to watch students grow –both athletically and academically– is the reason Yoo chose Hill. If you come across Yoo on campus, do not be afraid to introduce yourself and get to know him!