Alaa Kassir received her Bachelor of Science in mathematics and went on to earn her Master of Science in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2019, she took on the role of student again, right here at CMU and earned a Graduate Certificate in applied mathematics in May 2021. She joined CMU in fall 2008 where she taught Foundations of Algebra and Foundations of Math. In 2023, she transferred to CMU Tech and has been teaching Career and Technical math since then.
Kassir was born and raised in Tripoli, Lebanon (known for the famous ancient Cedars trees). She has international teaching experience in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. She teaches in lecture format, hybrid style, as well as fully online. Her scholarly interests include student success and retention. A real interest in her students’ deep learning and a genuine concern for their well-being are at the core of her teaching philosophy.
Kassir thoroughly enjoys teaching mathematics. Her students can sense the enthusiasm and become more interested in mathematics themselves. Creating a positive, friendly and encouraging environment in and outside the classroom is the most important reason for her success in teaching. At the end of a semester, when she sees that her students have acquired the knowledge of fundamental mathematics and the confidence in their own learning ability — both very necessary to succeed in their college level classes — she knows her work was well done.
Since moving to Colorado in 2008, Kassir discovered the joys of the outdoors activity this beautiful valley has to offer. She and her husband Dave enjoy birding, hiking, camping and fishing. In addition to that,Kassir loves home decorating, cooking, photography, watching Nature documentaries and reading inspirational books.
