Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to impact children’s lives. Learning each kid, what they offer, and what their struggles are. Once this is done, you can support them, push them, motivate them, and celebrate their successes, and push them through times they feel like they have underachieved. I have always wanted to be the teacher who the students years from now will say: Mr. Cooper changed my life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am a writer in my spare time. I’m teaching 26 4th graders and we collectively put hours into winter poems. After reading their work, I could feel the love they put into their words, and the passion they developed for poetry. We hosted a 4th Grade Winter Poetry Jam, where students presented their winter poems to their parents, faculty, and our administrators. Nothing has ever made me prouder than to see students find passion in a subject so early.

What would you do with the $25,000?

25,000 would allow me to assist in these categories: 1) Donation to my school for our new building. 2) Allow me to work myself out of financial hardship, and put me even and into a positive place. 3) Continue to draw resources and fun materials for the students to learn with and from.