We proudly announce that Rosalynd Atherton is our 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at Cooper Elementary School.
Rosalynd has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion as a 6th-grade teacher, teacher leader, AVID Coordinator, and mentor at our school.
She has consistently gone above and beyond to create a positive and dynamic learning environment for our students. Her commitment to fostering a growth mindset among students and teachers is evident in her innovative teaching methods and belief in the potential of every learner.
As a 6th-grade teacher, Rosalynd has imparted knowledge and instilled a love for learning in her students. Her ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging has profoundly impacted her students' academic success and personal development. Students from over the decades return to share their progress with her and celebrate their academic and life achievements.
She has created a classroom community that is inclusive, welcoming, and founded on high expectations for every student—and they each thrive under her guidance!
Her unwavering commitment to do whatever it takes to reach a student. Earlier this year, she had a student in her 6th-grade class who was working at the 1st-grade level. She reached out to her primary colleagues and designed lessons that honored the student's interests and allowed her to progress academically.
She has led her grade level collaborative team for many years, leading them to design a 6th-grade learning rotation to prepare students for middle school's academic and social-emotional rigor; this year, they have begun to differentiate math instruction across their grade level to provide learning opportunities based on student assessment data for each unit.
In addition to her numerous roles on campus, Rosalynd mentors aspiring, new, and veteran educators, generously sharing expertise and providing guidance. Her mentorship has created a collaborative and supportive atmosphere among the staff, contributing to the overall success of our school community.
Desiring to grow, she completed the Aspiring Principal Academy and serves as one of Cooper's Teachers in Charge.
Rosalynd exemplifies what is truly great about the teaching profession. Her passion for education, dedication to student success, and leadership within the school community.
It is an honor to work alongside and learn from her each day!
-- Samantha Chizauskie, Principal, Cooper Elementary School