Advisor’s Note: Cardinal Nation Exit Interviews are an opportunity to hear and learn from our retiring staff before they leave our campus. We thank all of our retiring staff for their service to the students, staff, district, and community over the years and wish them the best of luck in their retirement!
****************************************************************
Jeff Cassella, athletic director at Mentor High School, has proudly served as an educator for 35 years. As the athletic director, Mr. Cassella is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and evaluating coaching staff and other department personnel, financial oversight, facility operations, and student-athlete support. Beyond Mentor, Mr. Cassella served as a member of the OHSAA Board of Directors and the Northeast District Athletic Board, demonstrating his commitment to not only the success of Mentor athletics, but also to the entirety of Northeast Ohio.
Cardinal Nation: What initially inspired you to become a part of the education field, and do you think your goals were achieved?
Cassella: My father was an educator, administrator and coach. I had a great school experience growing up and wanted to have a career like that.
Cardinal Nation: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Cassella: By far watching students succeed. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field, watching the joy and excitement when they are successful in whatever they do is my “why.”
Cardinal Nation: How do you hope your students remember you?
Cassella: As someone who was their biggest supporter and would do anything to help them be successful.
Cardinal Nation: What will you miss the most about your career?
Cassella: The people. I have made many lifelong friends and I will miss the daily interaction.
Cardinal Nation: How do you think education has changed since you started?
Cassella: A lot more outside influence. I think since everyone has gone to school at some point [so] everyone thinks they know what it takes. We need to let our teachers teach.
Cardinal Nation: What did you learn about teaching that you think others outside the profession need to understand about it?
Cassella: That the teachers truly want what is best for their students and that there are no hidden agendas.
Cardinal Nation: What advice would you give to new teachers entering the profession?
Cassella: Network and find out what others do that make them better. No need to reinvent the wheel. Take time for yourself when you can.
Cardinal Nation: What plans do you have for the future?
Cassella: Enjoy being on my own schedule, being a Papa, and trying to improve my golf game. Travel.
Cardinal Nation: What else would you like readers to know?
Cassella: I can’t believe 35 years have come and gone and I would not trade my years at Mentor for anything. I want to thank everyone that made me who I am today and made my career memorable!
Thank you Mr. Cassella for all that you have done for the Mentor Athletic Department and your commitment to student-athlete success. Your presence will be missed, but your contributions will not be forgotten!
