by Rebekah Davidson

Seeing students succeed in the classroom is “why it’s worth teaching,” according to Kathy Riegel — geometry teacher, head of the math department and yearbook advisor — at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering.

“It fills your heart with joy,” said Riegel, who has worked at Alter for 29 years. “People ask me when I’m going to retire, and I say ‘When I stop having fun!’ — and I haven’t stopped having fun. It’s more rewarding than anything you can imagine.”

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Education Technology from Wright State University, Riegel enjoys teaching geometry and teaching in general. “I think it’s super fun. I love it when I have students who say to me, ‘I’ve never really been good at math, but I’m really doing well in your classroom.’ That makes me feel good,” she said.

She and her husband graduated from Alter in 1990, one daughter graduated from Alter in 2023, and their other daughter is a junior there. As a practicing Catholic, Riegel starts her classes with prayer and an opportunity for students to share their intentions.

“[Whether] they’re praying for a parent that’s having surgery or a test that’s coming up, we appreciate just knowing how they’re doing in their daily life,” said Riegel.

To help students get to know each other at the beginning of the school year, Riegel has them share examples of blessings in their lives. She also participates with students in the Kairos Retreat, a four-day event for seniors that is filled with prayer, witness talks, discussions and the sacraments.

“I just feel so lucky to be able to be around the students and have a part in their faith journey,” said Riegel.

“[The students have an impact on my life] probably more than they know … . I had a student this year
… who brought me … a little cake and a birthday card that said, ‘Thank you for teaching me math and helping me out so much. I really appreciate it.’ I have positive notes that kids give me, and when I’m having a bad day, I can look at them.”

“I hope to make a positive impact on [students’] lives by setting them up so that they know they have responsibilities to fulfill. Even if they don’t remember the math I teach them, they’ll understand responsibility [and] hard work. If you try your best and go above and beyond, that will usually help you to achieve your goals. Hopefully, that is something I am able to instill in my students.”

“I enjoy going to [student] sporting events and seeing what they are doing. I love it when they invite me. It’s so fun, and I can never say no. I’m also the yearbook advisor, so I take pictures. It’s good for [the students] to know that their teachers care about what they’re doing, not just math-wise but also in their faith life and extra- curriculars.”

Riegel took on the responsibilities of head of the math department for the 2023-24 school year. She finds support through friendships with colleagues, who are always willing to help her where she needs it.

“I completely enjoy the people that I work with,” said Riegel. “Being head of the math department this year was not something I was looking to do, but it was something that needed to be done. The people in the math department are so supportive.”

Sometimes Reigel’s students return to her for help when in a different math class. Others visit during their college years and share how they used concepts originally learned in her class.

“I just get the joy of being around the students and watching them grow as people,” she said.

This article appeared in the February 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.