1-1 Premeier Issue FINAL PROOF.pdf Holiday 2013 | Page 18

TEACHER H By Laresa Watkins

Mrs. Mary Cooper

I

“

love children and I love teaching
them. I want children to learn while
having fun,” states Chatham Magazine’s featured teacher, Mrs. Mary Cooper,
describing why she decided to pursue a career in education. Currently in her 39th year
of teaching kindergarten, Mrs. Cooper has
dedicated her life to the children that she
loves. She is so passionate about her chosen
field and finds so much joy in teaching that
she spends her summer vacations teaching
former students to swim!

Mrs. Cooper lives with her husband, Steve, in Pittsboro, where she spent
32 years teaching at Pittsboro Elementary
School before moving to Chatham Charter phabet, ABC’s, numbers, puzzles, and many
School in Siler City. She and her husband other learning centers,” explains Mrs. Cooper.
have 2 children and a 7 year-old grand- She compares that with current trends in edudaughter who they enjoy having come to cation, saying that “…now, we are stressing
visit. “I do enjoy being around children,” literacy and math.” She adds, “What remains
states Mrs. Cooper, “There is never a dull the same is that you take the child as they
moment.” Her appreciation of children, come to you (below, at, or above grade level)
however, extends well
and, through loving
beyond her family.
“I want my children to be them, teach them and

Education is
build a foundation for
happy and learn in a loving everything they need
in Mrs. Cooper’s blood.
and positive environment.” to know to grow up in
Her parents, Elizabeth
P. Campbell and Alton
this changing world.”
G. Campbell, were both teachers in Chatham
Mrs. Cooper is known for her cosCounty. Her father was actually her 8th grade tumes and hats that go along with different
teacher, and Mrs. Cooper says that she learned themes she is focusing on in her classroom.
many positive discipline strategies from him, Some of her costumes include Mickey Mouse,
strategies that she continues to employ today. an apple costume, a pilgrim and Native AmeriMrs. Cooper’s daughter, son, and daughter-in- can, and Dr. Seuss. There are many more, inlaw are also in the teaching profession.
cluding a few surprises at Halloween and dur
Many changes have occurred during ing book week. Mrs. Cooper says, “Life should
Mrs. Cooper’s time in the education system. be fun! Learning should be fun! Put these toWhen she began teaching, kindergarten was gether and school is fun! All these fun activities
just being added to the public school system. can be meshed and integrated into a great pro“It was so much fun…we had finger plays, gram of reading, math, science, social studies,
songs, stories, play time, house keeping, mu- technolo