Mr. Coupland's Home Page

Classes
1st hour: Geometry
2nd hour: Algebra 1
3rd hour: Concepts of Physics
4th hour: Algebra 1
5th hour: Concepts of Physics
6th hour: Geometry

Advisory

Extracurricular
Robotics Club
Appalachian Trail 2009
Freshman Campout 2008
Appalachian Trail 2008
Flash Animation 2008

Personal Adventures
Appalachian Trail 2004

Welcome

Hi! I’m Mr. Coupland. I teach math and science classes at KWHS, coach the Robotics Club, and lead outdoor activities like the Freshman Campout and Appalachian Trail trip. If there is anything I can do to help you succeed at KWHS, please let me know.

Contact Me

david.coupland(at)gmail.com
(Replace (at) with @. This is to slow down the spam bots)

517-545-0828 x240 (school)

I am always happy to talk with parents. The best way to reach me is email to the address above. If you would like to talk by phone, email me your phone number and a good time to call you. I am also available after school each day

Extra Help

I’m usually around after school until about 4PM. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are good days to stay after school for extra help – no appointment necessary. Robotics Club meets Wednesdays.

What's New?

Freshman Campout 2008 - Don't miss the 3rd annual campout for incoming freshman, Aug 21-23!

Robotics Club - Starts Tuesday 9/16/08!

Flash Animation - Check out student movies made during Project Term 2007 & 2008

Appalachian Trail 2008 - As a 2008 KWHS Project Term class, three students, their Dads and I spent time on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. Check out the pictures and student trail journals!

Favorite Quotes

The most important attitude that can be formed is that of desire to go on learning.
– John Dewey

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
– Albert Einstein

Joy in work comes from using your talents.
Meaning in work comes from serving others.
- Laurence Boldt, How to Find the Work You Love

Bio

I like to share my story with students. It shows a career is not necessarily a decision you make at the age of 18 and live with for the rest of your life. In our rapidly changing world, most careers have several twists and turns, and that can keep things interesting! As you read this, can you see how my previous experiences support my current work as a teacher?

I’ve been interested in science and math my whole life. Inspired by my 9th grade Geology teacher, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of New Hampshire and a Master's degree in Geological Sciences (specialty: Geophysics) from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

My first job was with Gesopectra Corporation, a small company in Ann Arbor that used satellite data for oil, gas, and mineral exploration. That led me into digital image processing and software development.

Later I used these skills to move to Applied Intelligent Systems, which made machine vision systems. Here a TV camera is

hooked up to a computer to guide a robot arm or inspect parts. We made machine vision systems used in equipment that assembled computer chips and computer boards – computers making computers! I started out in software development then moved to management and marketing. In the 1990s I did a lot of international travel, selling our products to customers in Japan and Europe.

During this time my two sons were growing up and I spent 12 years volunteering as a Scout leader. I found working with young people enjoyable and rewarding.

After 21 years in the high-tech world I was ready for a change. In 2000 I quit my job and started Computer Challenge, a nonprofit organization that provided after-school computer clubs to underserved youth. Over 5 years we served about 1000 young people at 30 sites, doing activities such as robotics, computer animation, digital videos, and web development. Although at first we were quite successful winning grants from foundations and corporations,

funding priorities changed and by late 2003 I realized I needed to find a different job. But at that time the computer industry was in a recession and I couldn’t find work.

In 2004, with no job and no prospects, I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. This was the trip of a lifetime, 2174 miles over 6 months, and it gave me plenty of time to think about what I wanted for my next career. In the end I realized my true passion was supporting young people in their personal growth, so I decided to become a high school teacher!

I returned to the University of Michigan in 2005-2006 and earned a Master’s degree in Education. I began teaching at Kensington Woods High School in 2006. Teaching has been the most challenging and rewarding of my careers. I think we have something really special here at KWHS, and I look forward to working with each of you as you discover and realize your dreams.