Cooper Elementary

What grade/ subject do you teach?

Second grade

Why do you teach?

I teach because I am passionate about helping students understand that they are capable of so much more than they think. We can only accomplish what we tell ourselves we can, so I want to push that in their minds, so they can do more. Children can take in so much information.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Teaching our modules. We get to learn all about schools in other countries, dinosaurs, and why pollination is important. It’s so interesting to learn about these topics so deeply. I have learned so much myself.

What are you working hardest on right now?

Right now we are really working on learning the structure of a writing piece. We are writing all about our pollinators. We are writing an introduction, focus statement, detail sentences and a conclusion.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

I am so proud of how much my students have grown this year. This has been a hard year with lots of changes, but my second-graders have made a ton of growth. I couldn’t be more proud of them.

What makes you happiest as a teacher?

I love to hear my students talk about the book they are reading. I really enjoy telling others about my current book, but hearing about other people’s books is even better.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

For a while I was teaching at Iowa Central. I co-taught an ESL (English as a second language) class.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

I like to go hiking at Dolliver Park, read mystery books and paint pictures.

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

I am getting married this summer and I will have a new last name next year.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

There isn’t one person who can make a difference. It takes a community of people to really rise. In our classroom we are a community of learners that work together and celebrate together.