With the school year coming to an end, Fort Hamilton High School bids farewell to a beloved teacher who has shaped the minds and hearts of countless students over the years. Mrs. Amy Bossak, a devoted math teacher and mentor, retired in January after an extraordinary career that has had a long-lasting influence on her school community. Her journey, passion and unwavering commitment have made her a memorable and exceptional teacher.
Mrs. Bossak’s passion for mathematics began in the third grade when she forced her brother to play school with her. Math has always been her favorite subject, and she pursued her passion by majoring in Applied Math and Statistics and Education at Stony Brook University. After graduating, Mrs. Bossak worked in actuarial science, auditing, and risk management.
“When I graduated, there were more opportunities besides teaching, so I opted for the non-teaching path,” Mrs. Bossak said. “But after being home with my kids, I decided it was time to pursue what I wanted. Teaching is where I belong.”
She started her teaching career at Lafayette High School but eventually made her way to Fort Hamilton.
In her tenure as a math teacher, Mrs. Bossak’s commitment to her students never wavered. Making math approachable and authentic was key to her teaching practice, particularly for students who found the subject difficult or unpleasant.
“The most important thing about being successful in geometry is to be able to think logically,” she said. “This is also important in life. I always try to relate geometry to everyday life, especially in writing proofs when I compare it to jobs of architects and contractors where you need a plan first.”
Over time Mrs. Bossak became an invaluable member of the school community, always offering tutoring sessions after school and giving extra credit to encourage her students to keep trying. Her approach was simple but effective: be strict, be fair, and always be there for your students.
Her influence extended beyond her classroom. As the department’s instructional coach, she mentored nearly twenty new teachers, sharing her lessons and guiding them as they developed their unique teaching styles. She even had the unique opportunity to work alongside her daughter, Ms. Lauren Bossak, another math teacher at Fort.
“When mentoring new teachers, I have always shared my lessons,” she said. “I remember when I first started teaching, another teacher shared their lessons, and it was so helpful to have a guide. As teachers get more experience, they form their [own] style. Some good advice is not to hesitate to ask questions. Learning from colleagues is a good way to master teaching.”
Mrs. Bossak has impacted the lives of many, from Vivan Feng Hou, who scored a perfect 100% on the Geometry Regents, to Jaiquawn Jarrett, a former NFL player who asked her to write his college recommendation.
“When I think of my legacy, I hope that my students and colleagues remember me as being passionate about being in the classroom and math office at Fort,” she said. “Problems can be solved in many ways.”
Among what she will miss most about teaching at Fort is the camaraderie in the school’s community.
“I loved coming to Fort Hamilton each and every day,” she said. “I will miss my colleagues, some [of whom] I have been teaching [with] for over 25 years and have become good friends.”
Mrs. Bossak’s absence will significantly affect our school community as she retires. Her love of teaching, commitment to her students, and generosity have permanently impacted the school.
“Above all, I hope my students remember that I cared about them—not just as math students, but as people,” she said.
Mrs. Bossak leaves behind a legacy of reason, affection, and lessons that last a lifetime. She has inspired generations of students to think critically, develop creative solutions to problems, and face life confidently. Even though she is no longer teaching, her influence at Fort will endure for years.
Thank you, Mrs. Bossak, for everything you’ve done. Everyone who had the honor of knowing you will miss you dearly, but your legacy will endure in the hearts and thoughts of those around you.
