Lisa Kossiver retires after teaching for 35 years

Lisa Kossiver, finite math, algebra and Advanced Placement Computer Science teacher, is retiring after teaching for a collective 35 years at the Brandeis School of San Francisco, Borel Middle School and Aragon High School.
She majored in computer science and math, her passions, at Ohio State University.
“I ruined the curve [in my linear algebra class],” Kossiver said. “I really loved that class, and I did really well.”
However, the male-dominated environment discouraged Kossiver from pursuing interests in the long run.
“There was an unfriendly environment toward me because my grade was so high,” Kossiver said. “There’s no question [that the] computer science and engineering world is still dominated by men.”
After college, Kossiver got a job teaching computer knowledge at the Brandeis School of San Francisco, a Jewish K-8 private school. In 1993, she got her teaching credential at San Francisco State University and began working in the public school system. After coming to the San Mateo Union High School District, Kossiver began working alongside Burlingame math teacher Christina Wade to develop the first Advanced Placement Computer Science A curriculum in the district. Kossiver was also the first teacher to develop an entirely new curriculum with a teacher from a different school.
“I wanted to do something different, [and] I truly love to code,” Kossiver said. “One time I was practicing to learn Java for this class and my partner … came downstairs. He’s like, ‘Are you coming to bed?’ I’m like, ‘I’ll be there shortly!’ He’s like, ‘Lisa, it’s 3:30 in the morning.’”
According to math teacher Cheri Dartnell, Kossiver brought a sociable work style that continues to influence how the math department operates.
“She was very much a collaborator when we were not,” Dartnell said. “[Now,] we’re very big on our professional learning communities … as we work together with [developing] curriculum, making tests and grading tests [and] coming up with lessons. We all stick together and talk constantly. That’s what she was like in 1998.”
Each teacher approaches their job with a unique philosophy that shapes their classroom dynamic. Kossiver believed in encouraging the students to explore on their own.
“I really like to make my students be independent learners,” Kossiver said. “It’s a high ratio [of students] to one [teacher] and you don’t get everywhere, so the kids have to take on their own learning … One of the problems here at Aragon is that kids are so focused on ‘got to get the grade, get the grade,’ but they don’t enjoy the learning. I really try to make kids enjoy the learning.”
Through a student, Kossiver received an opportunity to work at Students Rising Above, an Bay Area organization that supports low-income first-generation students applying and entering college. What started out as volunteer work became a second job.
“The best part of the job is that you attend their weddings, and you become Grammy Lisa to their little ones,” Kossiver said. “To know that the children of my Students Rising Above kids will never experience anything like their parents did [and that] I have helped future generations, it’s always been a job that I say paid my soul.”
Kossiver currently works as a student advisor to students in the program to support them through college, from applying to graduating. So far, she has helped over 65 students.
This is the last year that Aragon will be offering finite math for the time being, as Kossiver is the only staff member teaching that subject.
“[It is] disappointing because [finite math] is very helpful,” said senior Annie Gnusti-Clothier. “[The class] teaches you real-world, applicable math perspectives on topics such as getting a mortgage for a house or loans for cars.”
Hearing about Kossiver’s retirement made students reflect on the close relationships they made with her.
“A couple months ago, something happened in my personal life,” said senior Aldo Perez. “I told her about it and she came up to me [to tell me] she felt sorry about what happened [and] gave me a hug. I’ll definitely remember it later on.”
Kossiver does not currently have set plans going into retirement, but she knows she will wrap things up at SRA and spend quality time with her dogs.