Closing the books

Soon-to-be retired teachers reflect on their time at American

After decades of lesson plans, assemblies, and after-school tutoring sessions, two beloved American High School teachers are preparing to close the books on their teaching careers. With patience, enthusiasm, and an enduring presence, Ms. Kagel and Mr. Benn have spent countless years shaping classes and students.

Ms. Kagel came to American looking for a tight-knit school community and found more than she ever expected. “I got degrees in both biology and chemistry and earned my teaching credential in college back in the 1970’s. That’s when I knew I wanted to teach.”

She has been working as a teacher at American for sixteen years. “What made me stay were the students. Every year brought something new.”

Mr. Benn, AP physics and physical science teacher has been instructing at AHS for thirty-one years, “I was actually a student at American,” Mr. Benn said. “I grew up in the area—went to Brookvale, Oliveira, and Thornton before coming here.”

Ms. Kagel noted how the school has evolved, remembering, “One of the hardest times, during and after COVID, when students struggled with group work again. Some freshmen had trouble adjusting after remote learning.”

From open floor plans to tech-wired classrooms, Mr. Benn has witnessed the campus’s architectural and cultural changes over the course of 31 years, “The school has tripled in size since I started subbing in 1988,” he recalled. “We didn’t have the buildings we do now. But one thing’s stayed the same: most American students are good kids. Sure, a few are a pain in the neck, but most want to learn—and that makes a big difference.”

Teachers like Ms. Kagel never overlooks the growth they see in students– and takes pride in those transformations. Ms. Kagel said, “I believe in hands-on, collaborative learning, but whether they’re freshman or seniors, there’s always growth.”

Despite all the achievements, it’s the smaller moments that stand out most. One of Mr. Benn’s memories in particular came from a former student who became a teacher himself. “He emailed me last year to ask for teaching advice,” Mr. Benn said. “That really stuck with me.” Still, it’s the day-to-day magic that he’ll miss most. “That ‘aha’ moment when something clicks — that’s the coolest part of the job.”

While teachers can reflect on their impact they made in the classroom, it’s the student’s job to carry on that legacy, “I have never had a teacher like Ms. Kagel, she never gave up on us and just liked putting in real effort to make sure we came out of the class learning something new” said Cole Madrigal (9). “We’re going to miss the way she made us laugh out of nowhere.”

The reality of leaving the classroom hits in a new way as retirement approaches. Ms. Kagel believes it will be most difficult to say goodbye to the students’ everyday enthusiasm. “It feels bittersweet knowing it is my last year; I’m tired and ready in some ways, but I’ll miss it deeply,” She added, “I’m going to miss them more than they’ll miss me.”

“It’s a little scary. I told my AP Physics 2 class that in some ways, I’m graduating too,” Mr. Benn said. Just like his students preparing for a new chapter, the transition feels surreal after being rooted at American for decades.

“After 31 years teaching, four years as a student, and one year subbing, I’ve been at American longer than I haven’t. I don’t know exactly what’s next, and that’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.” He’s looking forward to slowing down, spending time with his wife, and relaxing; but it’s the buzz of the classroom and the friendships in the science department that he’ll miss the most. “There’s an energy in the room when students are engaged. That dynamic is hard to replicate anywhere else.”

As she takes precise attendance, Ms. Kagel looks across the room with experienced eyes, never missing a name or an opportunity to engage with her students (Angelica Guerrero (11)).