1-1 Premeier Issue FINAL PROOF.pdf Holiday 2013 | Page 19

Mrs. Cooper has a message for new
teachers: “Love your students and be willing
to change when you need to. Accept children
as they are and work to make them be the
best they can be. I want teachers to remember
that children are children and do not expect
them to be perfect-don’t tell the parents every
little thing they do wrong-stress the positive.”
She also feels that new teachers need to stress
academics and be sure to reach every type of
learner by providing many hands-on opportunities for learning.

Many former students have returned
to Mrs. Cooper to tell her what an important
impact she has had on their lives, saying that
her kindergarten class was a favorite part of
their entire education. She says, “I want my

children to be happy and learn in a loving
and positive environment. I want them to be
loved, cherished, have a positive outlook on
themselves and learn to read, write and do
math as well as learn to use technology, learn
about science, social studies, and healthful
living.” Without a doubt, the love, attention,
and grace that she shows “her children” is the
reason that she has had such a powerful influence on so many lives.

Undoubtedly, Mrs. Cooper embodies the great teacher described by William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells. The
good teacher explains. The superior teacher
demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
Thank you, Mrs. Cooper, for being such an
inspiration! H

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