By Mark Ambrogi
Ryan Newman treasures the impact Jon Teuscher made on his life and career.
Newman, now the Carmel Clay Schools director of instructional technology and data solutions, said Teuscher, then College Wood Elementary principal, gave him the opportunity to work in school administration as College Wood’s assistant principal and the confidence to know he could succeed in that position.
“His wisdom, not just about school, but about life in general was profound,” Newman said. “More than anything, he modeled for me how to act as a professional, as a husband and as a friend.”
Teuscher, 66, died Dec. 4 following a 15-month battle with esophageal cancer. Friends and family attended a Celebration of Teuscher’s Life open house Dec. 10 at College Wood. Teuscher served Carmel schools for more than 20 years as an elementary teacher and principal. After being an elementary teacher at Forest Dale and Woodbrook, Teuscher served as principal at Mohawk Trails Elementary from 1989 to 1999 and College Wood from 1999 to 2008.
“Jon had a tremendous impact on College Wood when he came to our building as he brought a tremendously thoughtful and caring demeanor,” Newman said. “Jon was truly focused on the details of school and had a genuine concern for each student. He always amazed me with his ability to call students by name and to know about them and their family. Those interactions had a way of making each student feel important.”
And he always made Newman laugh
“The best thing about working with Jon was the laughter that ensued as Jon’s wit and humor were without fail,” Newman said.
Deanna Pitman, now the Forest Dale principal, was the College Wood principal after Teuscher retired.
“When I was transitioning as principal to College Wood, he spent time sharing important information about the ins and outs of the school he dearly loved,” Pitman said. “But most importantly, he spent time sharing all the wonderful things about our students, staff members and their families. Family was the most important aspect in Jon’s life, and he knew that if I understood the importance of family, I would be successful.”
Emerson Hackett, 23, was a student when Teuscher was College Wood principal.
“He always made a personal connection with the kids. He wasn’t just an authority figure in the distance,” Hackett said. “He helped me with my long distance running, which is unusual for a principal to do.”
Teuscher helped Hackett develop a running schedule when he learned of his interest and ran with him during the Creekside 5K race that helped Emerson reach his goal of winning the 10-and-under race.
Teuscher is survived by Deb, his wife of 44 years, daughter, Valerie, son-in-law, Greg Savage, and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carmel Education Foundation.
