Gail Kusano has been an integral part of the math department at Claremont High School (CHS) since she joined thirty-four years ago. Throughout those years, she has taught everything from Math 1 to Precalculus to Calculus AB. While Claremont is sad to see her go, her students are excited to see her have a well-earned retirement.
Kusano began formally instructing in 1988, but her journey to teaching mathematics began before then, when she tutored students in college.
“[Tutoring] naturally led to getting my teaching credentials,” Kusano said.
With the unique ability to take a difficult subject and make it accessible and engaging, Kusano has had an incredible impact on her students. One of her students, CHS freshman Andrew Park, shared a few words on his math teacher.
“Mrs. Kusano has an incredible ability to make some of the most challenging math concepts feel approachable and understandable time and time again,” Park said. “Her patience with her students, as well as her enthusiasm for the subject, creates a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their learning. Thanks to her support and teaching, many students not only improve their math skills but also develop a greater appreciation for the subject.”
Kusano loves what she teaches, a fact that shines through as students can see her passion in every lesson. The feeling is reciprocated as Kusano enjoys teaching just as much as her students enjoy learning.
“My favorite part of my day to day life is the kids, the students,” Kusano said. “They’re very inquisitive!”
Going forward, she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and working on house repairs.
“My husband is still working, but hopefully whenever he travels I will be able to travel with him without having to write lesson plans,” Kusano said.
Finally, Kusano would like to shout out to her colleagues, who have made her time here so special.
“I want to thank the math department,” Kusano said. “I have loved working here, [and] I think it’s the best math department in the world.”
