Our Beloved Mr. Suttmann Retires
October 3, 2025
This past Friday was Mr. Suttmann’s final day at AIS Salzburg, marking 16 years of service to the school. Mr. Joe Suttmann was a social studies teacher, health coordinator, student conduct coordinator, and, probably most famous within our community, the voice behind the after-school PA announcements. We invite you to watch the video below, where Joe delivers his final PA announcement and also bids farewell to our community.
As you can see from the video, Joe has been a major part of the lighter side and family feel of our school, using his humor and quick wit to build rapport with students or keep the faculty table entertained during lunch break.
On an AIS-Salzburg Instagram story on his final day, we invited our followers who know Joe to send a parting message. The response was overwhelming, with many heartfelt words sent in, most from current and former students. Here are just a few highlights:
“Mr. Suttmann, thanks for being my favorite history teacher. Happy retirement legend! 🐐” -Mateo.
“You made the best intellectual jokes, which would always put a mile on my face! I really admire the knowledge you have and how willingly you share it with others.” – Ola
“Wow, AISS won’t be the same without Mr. Suttmann. What an amazing human.” – Angela
“You were a wonderful teacher, and I’ll never forget you.” – Jordan
“I will always remember detentions 🙂 thank you for the golden times. Nika 2014.” – Nika
“Miss you Mr. Suttmann, have a blessed retirements. Well deserved 💪 Regards, Ivan Ant.” – Ivan
“I’m so glad I got to know and meet you Mr. Suttmann. I hope you really enjoy your retirement!! 🫶 ❤️ ” Maddie
“Mr. Suttmann was the cool uncle everybody wished they had!” – Ruperto
“Thank you for the wonderful 9th grade, I’m gonna miss you.” – Tymofii
“Even after I have graduated, I still hear “It’s Friiidayyyy” in my mind from time to time :)” – Milla
And if the words above aren’t enough to capture Joe’s impact on our school, just look through the photos below that reflect the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Before departing the school for the last time, Joe sent out an email to his colleagues Friday that read:
My Dear AIS Friends & Family,
As I leave AIS-Salzburg after so many years (that in itself, was difficult to write), I find myself reflecting on just how much this place and all of you have meant to me. Since arriving in September 2009, I could never have imagined how deeply this community would shape my life, both professionally and personally.
Over time, colleagues became friends, and friends became something even closer: family. I am so grateful for the countless moments of your support, laughter, encouragement, and care that I’ve shared with you. Working here has never just been about the job (although I have really dug that part); it has been about being part of a community where people truly look out for each other in our common quest, and I will carry that spirit with me always.
Saying goodbye is not easy, but I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the memories, the lessons, and the true friendships that will continue long beyond my time at AIS-Salzburg.
Please, let’s stay in touch. I would love to hear from you wherever life takes us.
With love and gratitude,
Joe
From all of us at AIS-Salzburg, we wish you a joyful retirement, Joe! Thank you for the wisdom, humor, and heart you’ve shared with our community. You will be greatly missed.