The formula for teaching 

Eli Bauer - Jan 21, 2026 

For many students at Huntsville High, math can feel overwhelming and filled with complex equations and concepts that do not always come easily. 

In Susan Cason’s classroom, however, students are encouraged to see math as something achievable rather than impossible. As an algebra 2 and pre-calculus teacher, Cason has spent nearly two decades helping students grow not only in skill, but also in confidence.  In that time, Cason estimates that approximately 3,000 students have passed through her classroom.

Cason’s path to teaching was not always clear. She explained that she originally planned to attend medical school, but her perspective shifted during her senior year of high school when she worked as an office aide at an elementary school library. 

“I had the chance to work with students and I really fell in love with it,” Cason said. 

Growing up with a mother who taught high school English for 40 years also played a role, as being surrounded by teaching helped shape her career path.

Now in her 19th year at Huntsville High School and 20th year overall, Cason says what she enjoys most is challenging students to think deeply about math. 

“No one is born good or bad at math,” she said. “Everyone just needs someone that can ‘speak math’ to them in a way that makes sense to them, and it can be fun too.” 

Cason often uses humor, analogies and real-world connections to keep students engaged.

Cason believes mindset is one of the biggest obstacles students face. “Half the battle is making math feel doable and achievable for kids,” she said. By using jokes, relatable examples and an energetic teaching style, she works to remove the intimidation many students feel before they even begin.

Junior Kendrah Freeman, who takes pre-AP pre-calculus, described Cason as “funny, extremely smart, entertaining and very sweet.” Freeman said Cason’s teaching style has completely changed her experience with math. 

“My confidence in math has skyrocketed,” Freeman said. “She teaches in a way that can make someone who has never understood math a day in their life understand it and be excited to learn.”

Freeman also noted that Cason creates an environment that makes students excited to come to class. “She always has an upbeat attitude,” Freeman said. 

One lesson that stood out to her involved exponential growth, where Cason demonstrated how a penny doubling each day could grow into millions of dollars. The lesson later turned into a discussion about saving money for the future, leaving students both surprised and engaged. 

“This was such a fun and engaging lesson,” Freeman said.

Other students echoed similar feelings. Junior Courtney Johnson, who also takes pre-AP pre-calculus, described Cason as “caring and helpful.” Johnson said Cason’s willingness to break down problems makes her class different from others.

“For students who struggle, she tries her hardest to put the question in words the student can understand,” Johnson said.

Teaching advanced courses allows Cason to see growth at every level. “I love taking a student, no matter their ability, to the next level,” Cason said. “It is so rewarding to see them grow in their ability, self-confidence and pride in themselves for ‘getting it.’” 

Cason also emphasizes that math teaches skills students will use long after graduation. “Problem solving and critical thinking are two of the most important skills for adults to possess,” she said. Even if students never use algebra again, she believes those thinking skills remain essential. As her students continue their academic journeys, Cason hopes they leave her classroom with more than just formulas. Through encouragement, energy and a belief in every student’s potential, Susan Cason continues to make a lasting impact at Huntsville High School, one lesson, one problem and one student at a time.