Tom Kossack would take a bullet for his students.
When such a hypothetical was proffered to Kossack by a student, he didn’t hesitate to reply in the affirmative.
Usually clad in a green and gold Rio golf windbreaker, coffee mug in hand, Kossack has been teaching Algebra 2 and statistics for 20 years. Now he seems more like a fatherly figure than anything else.
But, unlike a father or grandpa who can’t understand teenagers, Kossack keeps his math classes relatable and, dare it be said, enjoyable.
Kossack’s teaching style is like that of his high school Algebra 2 teacher, Mr. Anderson, who was able to “let the students joke around, while still keeping things serious enough to teach math,” Kossack said.
On the other hand, Kossack has also had a handful of teachers who haven’t been able to make math something to look forward to. Hoping to never be like them, Kossack consciously keeps upbeat and humorous while lecturing.
Kossack realizes that the average student’s attention span for math is miniscule and structures his classes in such a way that kids won’t get bored.
“I know that math is not the most exciting thing to learn,” he said. “However, my goal is to make the class tolerable and not a class that people dread.”
Unfortunately for those who have not had the opportunity to experience his class, he will be retiring after next year “if all things go as planned,” Kossack said.
Fortunately, everyone can enjoy Kossack’s presence for the rest of the year with the “Mr. K Joke of the Day” featured on the morning announcements. Inspired by Kossack’s jokes in class, they are sure to brighten your day.
Kossack is entertaining different ideas for his retirement.
“I might continue to do something concerning education,” he said.
But whatever the activity, Kossack is definitely looking forward to having the time to relax.