Thank you, Mrs. Kasmer and Every Teacher, Everywhere

My fourth-grade math teacher, Mrs. Kasmer always had books in the corner of her classroom. They were never assigned, just waiting invitingly for some curious child to pick one up and open a new world. There were word puzzles and number puzzles, puns, and jokes. All watched over by a twinkling eye - as she looked to see who was interested in what, who was awake, what was stirring.
This week in particular, I look back and wonder who I might be if I had never met her, never had her in the early years of life, stoking what would become a life-long interest in so many things, including all things math.
I also think back to a retreat I ran some years ago for a group of school leaders, where I asked them to each write a letter of gratitude to the teacher who inspired them, who saw them as a person, who changed their understanding of the world. The letters were beautiful, powerful, and consistent. They each wrote about someone who ignited within them a love of learning, an appreciation for a subject, and a sense of being seen and valued as a person. And, each of them wrote about the powerful impact that had on their lives.
After 9/11, I decided to take two years away from the dotcom world and teach. I thought I would be giving back to this society that had offered so much to me. I had no idea what it would mean to care for students, and be responsible for their learning. While it was both an honor and a privilege, it also was an incredible challenge to be involved in the awakening and shaping of young hearts and minds. And to know that I also had a responsibility to look out for their wellbeing in so many other ways. What a trust we place, as parents and as a society, in those who we call teachers.
It is teacher appreciation week. I am humbled and awed by the work, the calling, the profession. I’ve never left it, and I’ve never forgotten Mrs. Kasmer.
Thank you to all of our teachers!
Warmly,
Joe
Share this article to your favorite platform!
Decision Education: Here is one way to launch careers
April 1, 2025In her Op-Ed for District Administration, Mary Call Blanusa, Director of Public Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance, explores how Decision Education can equip K-12 students with essential skills and mindsets—like adaptability, active open-mindedness, and the ability to navigate uncertainty—that are critical for success in the workforce and beyond.
Alliance for Decision Education Announces Forecasting the Future 2025 Tournament
March 18, 2025The Alliance for Decision Education is hosting Forecasting the Future 2025, a free, online tournament designed to help middle and high school students sharpen their decision-making skills by forecasting outcomes of current real-world events.