16 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2025 Yet as the decades changed the buildings, the surrounding Coconut Grove community and the world, Mauro believes one thing remains the same: middle schoolers. “I’d say two things have never changed – their genuineness and their enthusiasm. They let you know what they are thinking and how you are doing all the time.” That openness creates an opportunity to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to challenge ideas, explore perspectives and even laugh. Mauro embraces it all with humility and humor. And it is Mauro’s ability to connect and relate with these growing minds that has allowed him to create meaningful relationships with them. “Mutual respect between students and the teacher will always be a key to a successful classroom,” he said. “I genuinely want to hear what the students have to say, and I think they realize and appreciate that.” Mauro recalls many laugh-out-loud interactions with students, but one in particular came with a roundabout compliment. He remembers one day he was proctoring a final exam, and a student kept getting his name wrong. After the student called him Mr. Kappelman and Mr. Siegler in the same conversation, Mauro couldn’t help but smile. “I took that as a compliment. Mr. Kappelman, Mr. Siegler and I worked together at the middle school for 37 years – how many schools can say that?” And although Mauro continues to give credit to those around him, he is correct in stating that not many schools have teachers like these. Although many of his students will remember Mauro as a coach, a teacher, a mentor and a lifelong advocate, he hopes that they will remember more than just dates and facts. He hopes they walk away with values and empathy. “I try to teach respect – respect for self, respect for others – in everything they do. Always give 100 percent and always treat your classmates with kindness.” This message has echoed through generations of Raiders, and it continues to shape our school culture and community today. Joe Mauro’s story isn’t just a timeline of service or a laundry list of accomplishments. It is a living legacy of community, leadership, learning and laughter. “Joe is generous with his time and available to listen,” says Ali Fisher, who has worked with Mauro for 17 years. Mauro served as Fisher’s department coordinator until he recently passed the role on to her. Through that transition, Fisher appreciated his humble mentoring. “He always asks if I want advice before giving it,” she says. “What I appreciate most is his respect, even when we disagree. I am lucky to have him as my mentor, and privileged to call him my friend.” “Undisputedly the G.O.A.T. of history teachers.” – Jack Gonzalez ’28 Joe Mauro in the 1985-86 yearbook
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