Retired science teacher returns to sub for AP Chemistry

When AP Chemistry students entered room 1011 on their first day back from winter break, substitute teacher Robert Kucer immediately greeted them with a cheerful grin as he donned his thinly rimmed glasses and signature khaki shorts.

This semester, Kucer has been welcomed back by the school’s staff as he substitutes for science teacher Kathy Nakamatsu, who is currently on maternity leave.

Kucer taught Chemistry Honors, AP Chemistry and AP Biology at the school starting in 1995 before retiring in the summer of 2012.

According to former students, Kucer made his classes enjoyable for students with his quirky jokes and stories and tie-dye shirt traditions, while also challenging them to become better learners.

“His class was difficult,” said 2012 alumna Stephanie Shimizu, who took Kucer’s Chemistry Honors course. “But Kucer encouraged his students to apply themselves academically as he challenged them through college level coursework.”

After his retirement, Kucer began living in Beijing due to his wife’s job transfer. But after two years, he wanted to come back.

“[Going to] Beijing was not how I wanted to spend my retirement,” Kucer said. “I would find myself cleaning the house, tutoring some kids or going to the gym, but the Bay Area was where I wanted to live.”

When the school needed a chemistry teacher to fill in for Nakamatsu, Kucer was the perfect choice.

“It is so great to see [Kucer] return to SHS,” said Chemistry Honors teacher Janny Cahatol, who was Kucer’s replacement after his retirement. “He’s so brilliant, and I’m pretty sure that if you put all of the teachers’ chemistry knowledge into one brain, that would be his.”

For this next semester, Kucer is excited to return to teaching and to get to know new students.

“When you’re having fun teaching, you feel younger,” Kucer said. “I like to work with students who are willing to get pushed, and I hope that they feel confident in themselves and me as well.”