Quarter-Finalist

Mary Alice Cooper

Teaching for 12 years has allowed me to see the difference in so many students, but also the change in me being a better teacher!

Currently 6

in the Quarter-Finals
LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

Help me become America's Favorite Teacher, win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, and appear in Reader's Digest!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 17th of April at 7PM PDT

One outstanding teacher will win $25,000, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly with Bill Nye!

Learn More
Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because my mother was a teacher and she was a single parent. She worked hard and made a difference for our family and for the lives of many other children. This showed me that if I could make a good life for myself and future family, I could also make so many good changes in other people’s life as well.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching 2nd grade and had a student that was going to have to repeat that grade. Her parents nominated me for teacher of the month with a local baseball team , knowing I was needing to hold their child back. They said I noticed issues no one had mentioned to them before and they were thankful for the interventions and plans I set in place for their daughter. I won the award!! Winning the Golden Apple Award was also one of my favorite teaching moments.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I begin my masters degree in the summer of 2025 for administration. I am a single mother of triplet girls that are 6 years old. Life is hard at times, especially starting my masters degree and raising 3 kids. Money that I could use towards our home and life would be so helpful. Being a teacher, the income doesn’t always seem right. Then again, money isn’t the reason I chose this career.

Planetary Society Planetary Society

Help Mary Alice Cooper become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact with a tax-deductible donation benefiting the Planetary Society.

Limited-time: 2X donation votes ends on Wed 4/16 at 9PM PDT


1 Vote
20 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
200 Votes
500 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per 2 votes

Powered By Colossal

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.

Learn More