Thomas Allan Cotner

Canton High School Class of 2011. Mr. Cotner tutored me in Honors Geometry. He encouraged me and I loved his incredible sense of humor. Mr. Cotner always made me laugh even when I felt totally discouraged. He was an amazing person and an extraordinary teacher. I will always remember him for the dedication and love he had. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

In addition to being an incredible math teacher, Tom represented hundreds of Plymouth-Canton teachers as our chief negotiator for years and years. Knowing that Tom was tending to our contractual needs meant that the rest of us could focus on our students and our teaching. His willingness to add this commitment to his own classroom responsibilities was a great gift to his colleagues. Additionally, I'm not the most math-oriented individual, but I've always wished that I could have joined my daughter for some of Tom's AP Calc lessons.

Plymouth-Salem High School, Class of 1992. Mr. Cotner had a great influence not only on my career, but also on my life. I was very fortunate to be a member of his computer programming teams, which seem like they happened only yesterday. He expected a lot out of us in class, but I also remember how his sense of humor helped us get through the day.

Canton High School, Class of 2001. Tom was one of my favorite teachers, and his encouragement in A.P. Calc are one of the most important reasons that I am now in grad school for astrophysics. His love for his students and math changed the trajectories of many more students than just me, and he will be missed.

Mr. Cotner was one of my favorite teachers in High School. I am a teacher now and my memories of him constantly inspire me. He was an amazing teacher and great man. I will remember him.

Canton High School, Class of 2003. Tom Cotner inspired me to become a mathematician. What a fantastic teacher, and an influence on my life.

Plymouth Salem Class of 1975. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mr. Cotner was a great teacher. We will miss having him join us at future reunions. He will always be apart of the memories we have of our experience at PCEP.