Dr. Michael Kumaresan Recognized as an Outstanding Educator by the University of Chicago

Michael Kumaresan, or Dr. K as he is called, is a man of many talents. We often see him at the high school tennis courts where he is the Assistant Coach of both the Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis teams. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. He formerly coached soccer, is the Music Director for the Drama Club and served as Class Advisor for the SHS Class of 2026,

But perhaps he makes his biggest impact in the classroom, where he teaches Algebra/Trigonometry, Precalculus, Digital Logic Design, Electrical Engineering and Science Research. He has even written his own textbooks. In an article in Maroon he explained, “Part of it is that I like to present the material in a certain way that I feel is more logical and as a teacher I would like to bring out certain points…So this is my way of presenting to my students what I believe is the most effective way.”

Dr. K is a graduate of Scarsdale High School and went on to earn many advanced degrees. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from The Cooper Union, a Master's Degree in Physics from the Imperial College of London and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the Graduate School of CUNY. He has taught mathematics at The Cooper Union and The City College of New York. He helped develop mathematical models and electrical-engineering solutions in the area of radio and communication systems for the U.S. Army.

He has a winning way with students at SHS and was recently selected as an Outstanding Educator by the University of Chicago, after he was nominated by an SHS student who is a freshman there.

The announcement read, “Congratulations! You have been selected as a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator! One of your students was recently accepted to UChicago and recommended you for this award.

Each year, newly admitted students have the opportunity to select educators who go beyond everyday teaching and leave an impression that is carried over a lifetime. An Outstanding Educator thinks carefully about their instruction, shares an infectious love for learning, and cares for their students both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Commenting on the honor, Kumaresan said, "I'm really honored to receive this award. I couldn't take any credit, though, without acknowledging many others who have impacted the way I teach. I'm grateful for my colleagues at SHS who continually show me what it means to teach with excellence and push me to be a better instructor; for the administration at SHS who have been really supportive of my ideas throughout the years; to my current and former students who inspire me and help me to grow as a teacher and person; and finally to my family who are extremely supportive of my work at Scarsdale."