Jeffrey Luscher, a resident of Lake Elsinore, CA, received his B.A. in mathematics at the University of Southern California. He has been teaching for over 25 years, beginning in the Los Angeles U.S.D. and moving to the Corona–Norco U.S.D. in 1989. Mr. Luscher has been math department Chair at Santiago High School since its inception in 1995, where he currently teaches algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus. He teaches all skill levels, including sheltered, accelerated, honors, and advanced placement.
Mr. Luscher is admired and respected by colleagues and district staff. His input, committee involvement, and leadership skills are sought after and valued. Mr. Luscher always shows great respect for everyone—students, staff members, and parents. Former students attribute their interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics and engineering to his outstanding teaching and motivational skills. One student related anecdote: On the day of an AP test, he brought bagels cut into the shape of the letter C. He used creativity to remind students to add the “+C” at the end of indefinite integrals. This student describes Mr. Luscher as the “totally awesome calc teach I had in high school.”
From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Luscher worked to develop pacing guides and district-level assessments for all mathematics courses. His subject-matter competency allowed him to establish a comprehensive, standards-based staff development program. Partnering with another teacher, he presented more than 15 district-level in-service trainings and 50 school-site workshops each year.. His exceptional contributions are reflected in continually improving test scores and teachers’ use of innovative strategies in daily math lessons. Mr. Luscher also participates in school and district events. He is credited with the development and management of a district-wide high school mathematics field day that has been held for more than 10 years.