I came to the United States from South Korea in 1993 at age 23, believing in the promise of this country. I still do. But I've also learned that the distance between ideal and reality is where leadership happens.

I started as an English teacher. I became a district Instructional Technology Coach, which was my favorite job. I never planned to become a principal. But I realized that tools, strategies, and plans have little impact if the person in charge of the building doesn't believe in them. So I stepped into the role.

I earned my doctorate in Learning Technologies at Pepperdine University in 2015. My dissertation focused on game-based learning. I studied how tabletop RPG creation could serve as a constructionist learning model for high school literature, and it did! My students produced dramatically more writing than national averages. That research still shapes how I think about engagement, agency, and learning design.

Today, I bring over two decades of experience to stages across the country, helping school leaders and educators navigate AI with honesty, practical wisdom, and a deep commitment to the young people we serve.

I never wanted to be the principal. But I realized that the person in charge of the building has to believe in the work. So I stepped up.

— Kip Glazer