Each day starts with greeting students as they walk into the building, their energy setting the tone for what lies ahead. Some mornings, I hear stories about their weekend adventures or help calm nerves about a test later that day. This brief interaction is my first joy—it’s where relationships are built.
Once the bell rings, I dive into teaching. My social studies lessons often involve discussions, projects, and interactive activities that bring history and geography to life. Watching my students connect the dots and engage in meaningful conversations about the world is incredibly fulfilling. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded why I love what I do.
The hardest part of the day often comes with juggling the unexpected—whether it’s a technology glitch in a lesson plan, a student struggling emotionally, or trying to squeeze in time to grade papers and plan for the next day. I also work to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all my students, which can be challenging, especially when time feels so limited.
Lunch is a mix of catching up with colleagues and making sure my students are where they need to be. Afterward, I shift gears for my honors class, where students bring their own energy and perspectives that challenge me to stay sharp and innovative in my teaching.
By the end of the school day, I’m often exhausted, but the good kind—the kind that comes from knowing I’ve poured everything into my students. The best moments are when students stop by after class to share something they learned or simply say, “Thank you, Mr. Cooper.” Those small words mean everything.