Teacher of the Universe

Teacher of the Universe

About ten years ago Monticello Senior High School gained the help of a well loved woman by the name of Nancy Cassano. Mrs. Cassano used to be a mathematics teacher, until she retired and now helps out full time, teaching students who don’t understand the work in class.
In 2005 Cassano won the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award, even though she is not technically a teacher at the moment, they made an exception for her because of the inspiration she is among the students here in Monticello. The most interesting part about Cassano is that she completely donates all of her time, she is just a volunteer and is not paid one cent for her work.
Being a mathematics teacher is said to be one of the most challenging things you can do, because if the student doesn’t understand you there is only so many ways you can teach something. However somehow it seems she always finds a way to make the problem become a solution easier than most teachers. Many students even reported that they understood the math problems with her, but not with other teachers and began to feel more confident in themselves.
Around the high school Cassano is like a celebrity everyone knows her and always wants to be in her room. Students feel comfortable going to her about anything, even if it is a personal issue, or just a math problem. Mrs. Cassano never complains, she enjoys her time with the students just as much as the students enjoy her. She is supportive of every student, and is always there to help with any problem you have with a smiling face.
Mathematics is not the only school subject you can find her helping with though. Cassano is there to help with every subject, so even when the students help concerns that they are inquiring about are all different, Cassano keeps a smile on and helps everyone quickly and with good manner.
One student wanted to comment on her work here, he(Billy Ferman) told me, "it seems like even the teachers depend on her to function properly. I mean, there are some really messed up bad kids around here and the teachers always just send them to Cassano. I have seen so many kids turn around and become great stand up smart kids, just from her help. She actually takes the time to see who you are and find out more about you. Cassano makes sure you are okay in all aspects, not just school but that you are okay with every part of your life, and if your not she finds a way to help you through."
Cassano never even takes a day off, even though she is unpaid she is always dependable and always there, from start of the day to finish she stands by waiting to help anyone who walks through her door. Another student commented on her abilities here, "Cassano has always been there when I have needed her. I was failing math because I just couldn’t understand and keep up with the work, and then I turned to Cassano for help. By working with her everyday for the first ten minutes of class I understood all of the problems when the teacher started out the lecture, and I could actually follow along. She is such a wonderful lady, so sweet and concerned about everyone’s well being. I feel like she is another Grandparent of mine, just looking out for me."-Claire Maser. While I was interviewing These students I also noticed an older looking student sitting in one of her chairs, so I walked over and asked his story. It turns out that this student was not actually a student of Monticello Senior High anymore, but was in college and frequently came back to the school to get help from her, and she was still just as willing to help him as she was when he actually attended the high school.
Today Cassano gets at least a few thank you letters from past students in the mail every year, saying that the student couldn’t have got where they are today with out her help. Some even go as far to say that she changed their lives, and they felt lost and confused before she took an interest in them.
In the main commons area, and lunch room hang’s a picture of Cassano smiling at the camera, much like she does while helping a student, with teacher of the year 2005 written below. She has been nominated by students several times since that picture was taken but is yet to win it again.
The overwhelming appreciation and love for Nancy Cassano will not be forgotten by any student who has graduated from Monticello, or is yet to graduate, who knew her well and were changed by her work.