On August 29, 2025, HBHA’s beloved teacher, who was a friend to many, a person dedicated to his entire family, and a devoted father and husband, Todd Clauer (z”l) passed away.
With this news came a wave of sadness and grief, leaving our school and much of the KC Jewish community shattered.
As we continue to grieve this unfathomable loss, we remember the myriad of extraordinary qualities possessed by Todd Clauer and his utmost dedication, kindness, and authenticity that will never be forgotten or replaced.
Conversations about Mr. Clauer and our memories of him are a persistent feature of everyday school life since his untimely death after a long health battle, and as the school discusses official ways to honor and celebrate Mr. Clauer’s life, as individuals, we are also having our own personal conversations and searching for ways to remember the durable impact he made on our lives.
After serving on the HBHA faculty for 25 years in a wide variety of roles, current students, parents, and teachers try to process Mr. Clauer’s passing, and they are joined by alumni from across the country who share their most meaningful memories and times with Mr. Clauer from their years at HBHA.
Laura Gilman, HBHA Class of 2003, spoke about her time learning with Mr. Clauer, saying, “He taught me math. And he had the wisdom to tell me that maybe math wasn’t for me, and it was such a nice permission… just to hear someone reflect what was going on inside, which was that it wasn’t for me. He was generously and authentically and kindly honest.”
His impact extended far beyond the subject of math, too.
Cory Gutovitz, HBHA class of 2009, said, “I’ll always remember the enthusiasm he brought to the classroom. His energy was infectious. He made learning an engaging experience every day. A favorite memory of mine was planning the Purim carnival with him my senior year. He let us go slightly over budget to bring in an inflatable bounce house with basketball hoops. Needless to say, it was a hit, and I think he had just as much fun playing in it as the students.”
His ability to reach beyond the subject he was teaching and truly change our mindsets is a rare quality that will be deeply missed at the school.
Former HBHA faculty and Clauer’s cross country co-coach Marla Brockman said, “One of the conversations that we always had is, ‘Do you teach your content or do you teach your students?’ And hands down, Todd taught his students.”
Another one of the ways Mr. Clauer contributed to generations of HBHA students was through his work as a College Guidance Counselor for our high schoolers. His advice and intelligence were held in high esteem by both parents and students.
As a parent of three HBHA alumni, Brockman was able to experience his college guidance from the parent perspective.
She commented, “One of the things he did that was really helpful for us is he would have each parent write a brag essay about their kid…sitting and really thinking about that individual child and what you were bragging about was such a helpful exercise and such a pivotal moment.”
Mr. Clauer was just as helpful from a student’s point of view, with current senior Gabrielle Sosland saying, “This is a really difficult job to have, but he was so talented at it because of how long he had been doing it…and if he wants you to do something, he’s gonna make sure you do it. He will keep you on track no matter what.”
His college guidance counseling also impacted countless alumni.
Adena Goldberg, HBHA class of 2016 graduate and 2020 Tulane graduate, stated, “Like Mr. Clauer did with everything, he took the time to support you… There were many instances where I just would hop into his office and ask a question, whether it be about a simple comment, or question, or to understand some feedback… he totally took the time to get to know you, and support you, but also kind of be reasonable with what… you could achieve.”
This “get to know you” characteristic is hard to find, and as the whole community knows, Clauer’s ability to have real personal connections with everyone he taught was one of his most defining traits. Unlike most of us, he was able to let this trait shine in every one of his numerous roles at HBHA.
Gilman elaborated on this, adding, “He had a very genuine way of letting people in to who he was while also maintaining boundaries as a teacher. And it was a hard balance to strike, and I think he did it so authentically, which is why so many people love and loved Todd Clauer.”
As well as letting people into his personality, Clauer also had the emotional talent of completely altering students’ and colleagues’ way of thinking, working, teaching, and approaching life.
Brockman said, “I think that’s why he had such an effect on people because it’s so rare that you just come across someone, and they have that power to just alter your mindset.”
To help each other through our grief as a school, the best thing we can do is be grateful for having the privilege of being taught, working with, or simply knowing Todd Clauer.
Brockman put it best, explaining, “This is really hard, and part of me is angry. He was one of the good ones. But there’s also a part of me that feels like I am so honored, and I feel like I’m going to do better in the world because he was my friend. I’m honored to have had him in my life.”
While no amount of reminiscing or discussion will fill the absence of Mr. Clauer, we have to remember to support each other through our grief collectively.
Helping each other to honor his presence and legacy as a community is the only way to work through this together. After all, what is more Todd Clauer-like than helping someone else?
