Celebrating Our Teachers on World Teachers’ Day 

Today is World Teachers’ Day, and we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on the amazing teachers here at Hoosier College and Career Academy! Teachers play a huge role in shaping our students, and we want to take this day to honor their hard work and dedication. 

In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, we asked some of our incredible high school teachers to share their personal reflections on what it means to be an educator and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers. Timothy Kasper, Lindsay Free, and John Casey offer their insights into the passion, dedication, and love they bring to the classroom every day. Here’s what they had to say: 

What Made You Want to Become a Teacher?

“I wanted to become a teacher to have a positive, and possibly life-changing, impact on future generations. The teachers I had at my high school where such a big influence on me. I watched what they did and thought, “I want to do that.” – Timothy Kasper, Math Teacher

“My father was a teacher, so I grew up around education. I saw the negatives of the profession, but I also saw the impact he made on his students. I always liked helping my peers with classwork and loved being put in leadership positions, so naturally many told me that I would make a good teacher. I struggled with whether that would be the right path for me or not, but it was the only career that I could picture myself being happy with. And it turns out that education is something I am and always have been, very passionate about.”  – Lindsay Free, English Teacher

“When I was in high school, back in the 90’s, I had a teacher that went out of his way to help me.  I will always remember Matt Maxwell.  He had an amazing way of distilling down complex math problems (which made us feel smart!) and even played tennis with us kids after school!  He genuinely cared for his students. I try to be like him in every class that I teach.” – John Casey, Math Teacher

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Teaching at HCCA?

“I enjoy the freedom I have to teach in a manner that I feel good about, and in a way that maximizes impact on students to do their best, and for them to learn in a way that best suits them.” – Timothy Kasper

“I love the flexibility I have here at K12. I am able to do a job that I love while having it fit in my lifestyle. Due to health issues (I am epileptic), I became unable to work in brick-and-mortar schools and thought I would have to quit teaching all together. But K12 became my lifeline to my passion in education and allowed me to do the one thing I loved and am good at.” – Lindsay Free    

“I enjoy the interactions with students.  Those that do participate make class fun! We have some truly talented, intelligent and funny students here!” – John Casey

What’s One Lesson You’ve Learned from Your Students?  

“From my students I’ve learned the importance of being patient. I’ve learned a different way to see the world and a new appreciation for students with different backgrounds”. – Timothy Kasper

“Most of my students have been through more in their 15 years of life than I have been through in 35 years. Many come with issues that caused school to be a second-tier priority in their lives. They teach me about compassion and patience, and how to connect literature to all aspects and cultures – not just the ones I knew on my own.” – Lindsay Free

“Patience!  Our students lead busy lives!  Assignments may not always get turned in on time because of hectic schedules. Some students go to school, work jobs, and help their family.  I have learned to be patient, and eventually the schoolwork will get done.  Being flexible at HCCA is must and a benefit to many of our students.” – John Casey

What’s the Most Fulfilling Part of Your Job? 

“The most fulfilling part of teaching is knowing that I helped young people get a jumpstart on their lives. Knowing that I was a positive influence in their lives creates a lasting memory.” – Timothy Kasper

“Making a difference in my students’ lives. I know that answer is really cheesy, but there is truly nothing better than hearing from students that you helped them, usually in ways that I had no idea that I had. One of my most special moments as a teacher was getting a shout out at graduation from a student that I had in class two years prior that I had given them the confidence to become a better writer – something that I had no idea that I had ever done for them. Those are the moments that make my hardest days worth it.” – Lindsay Free

“Obviously the most fulfilling part of this job is watching students grow academically.  I often point out just how far they have come!  But what I really find fulfilling is creating engaging lessons for the kids.  I LOVE to make game activities (Mario kart, Pokémon, Dungeons and Dragons) and watching the kids have fun AND learn.  Plus, game activities get students involved that are not normally engaged.” – John Casey

What’s One Lesson You Hope Your Students Remember as They Grow? 

“Never, never, never, ever give up.” – Timothy Kasper

“I hope students remember to keep compassion in their hearts and to give everyone a chance. My classroom is a safe place – that is my motto and is on my welcome slide every day. I push students to always try their hardest but take the time to listen to them and help them when life gets in the way. I always encourage them to try again when they fail and to always be kind. (However, most of my students remember reading Macbeth and how accessible Shakespeare can be).” – Lindsay Free

“It’s okay to fail!  We hopefully learn from our mistakes.  For instance, in our math classes, occasionally students make mistakes, but they can identify where they went wrong, and thus do better the next time.  This skill translates to all aspects of our life! Sometimes you have to fail to succeed.” – John Casey

The Numbers Behind the Impact 

While the stories of individual teachers are powerful, take a look at these national statistics that give a glimpse into the incredible commitment teachers have to their classroom 

• The average  teacher impacts over 3,000 students over the course of their career. 

• 94% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies to ensure their students have the materials they need to learn. 

• Teachers work an average of 53 hours per week, with many dedicating extra time outside of school hours to lesson planning, grading, and mentoring students. 

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