Kevin Gately joined Kirby Hall in 2016 and is the math teacher for 6th grade through High School. He has a BS in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin and a MA in Mathematics from New York University. Kevin is an extremely patient teacher and is able to break down concepts, so students can easily understand. Check out his answers to the below questions and learn more about our wonderful math teacher!
Where are you from originally and where did you attend college?
I grew up in San Antonio for almost all of my childhood before attending UT Austin for undergrad and then NYU for grad school.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up, I was definitely a simpleton; someone who told everyone I wanted to be either a paleontologist or a tennis player. This was almost certainly due to my older brother claiming to also want to be a paleontologist (so I just copied him) and me being in a tennis camp occasionally.
Who is someone that has influenced you in your life?
A big influence on me was an early college professor named Frank Shirley who jump-started my intellectual enthusiasm specifically in mathematics. His ability to articulate the process and mentality of problem-solving was a revelation to me. It made me truly care about producing good work in my life.
What do you consider your favorite hobby?
If I really had to pick, my favorite hobby has got to be playing tennis. A close second would be crossword puzzles or playing trivia with friends.
What brought you to Kirby Hall School?
I found Kirby Hall after moving back to Austin from New York and coincidentally living nearby. I found out they needed a math teacher part-time, which perfectly fit my schedule, and my first impression of the school was quite friendly and comfortable that it all fell into place quickly.
How do you like to spend your time outside of Kirby Hall?
Outside of school, my favorite things to do are, of course, play tennis, do crossword puzzles, hang out with friends, go see local bands play, play drums in bands, read books…
What would you say to a student that is interested in your career path?
To any student who’s interested in my career path, I would encourage them to be the most technically-skilled mathematician they can become, because this provides deep, interesting insights into the subject matter that make for better instruction and explanation. I would also encourage them to be empathetic to their peers for which math doesn’t come as naturally.
What is your favorite style of music or a musician that you enjoy listening to?
I like all kinds of music, but rock and roll is probably my favorite. AC/DC and The Pixies I’ll always love. But some bands I’m gRoOvInG on right now are The Growlers, Hundred Visions,
Chamberlain Greene, White Reaper, and Dirty Fences. I could go on and on…
What is something you love about Austin?
In Austin, I’ll always love the weather, the fun people, and the great local bands.
What is something you think people may be surprised to find out about you?
Something people may be surprised to find out about me is that I’m an Eagle Scout.
