Super duper Cooper

"When Shelly finished her contract at Sinclair, the principal said she was the only teacher there that had never been any complaints," Jeanette Fischer, Medicine Bow resident and former teacher in Medicine Bow Elementary School (MBES) said. "The parents, the students, the school and community all loved her, just like they do here. She just has a way about her."

On May 23, Shelly Cooper was honored as "Teacher of the Year" for Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) in a ceremony at MBES.

Cooper had no idea she had been selected and was led into the MBES gym by principal Traci Schneider and CCSD2 Director of Data and Special Programing Linda Butler. The 50 or so people, including the students of the school, were witness to her disbelief as she realized the party was for her.

CCSD2 Superintendent Dr. James Copeland beamed as he told her she had won teacher of the year.

"I have been in public education for 40 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent," Copeland started. "There a few people that come across in your career that are special and you just feel blessed as you get to know them. Shelly Cooper is definitely one of those individuals."

Copeland said there were three attributes he felt met the criteria of a master teacher.

"I have pretty high expectations when I look for what qualifies a master teacher," Copeland said. "Somebody who is a hard and tireless worker. They must fight for their kids, fight for their schools and Miss Copper can certainly be said to do that. The last and probably the most important thing is a connection to kids. I have seen a lot of teachers that have the knowledge, but just don't have the connection with kids. So all my top three qualifications I define as a master teacher, Miss Cooper has."

Copeland said CCSD2 had not given out this award in a few years and he was proud it was Cooper receiving it this year.

"I also want to commend all that kept this quiet," Copeland said. "It is really hard to keep secrets in small towns."

Butler said it was almost unanimous when nominations were put forth.

"Mrs. Copper is the glue that helps keep Medicine Bow Elementary together," Butler read from the application put forth by MBES. "You ask her, she will tell its a group effort, however as a staff, we rely on her experience as a teacher and longtime presence in the Medicine Bow community to help guide us daily."

"I don't know what to say, but I will try," Cooper started. "I have to thank the community for the opportunity to teach. This community has supported me throughout my life. That is how I have succeeded. I am so grateful and you guys shocked me."

After Cooper spoke, all the students present gave her cards they had made. Cooper was obviously touched.

Carla Denzin, Medicine Bow resident and town council member, said living across the street from the school, she never fails to see Cooper give hugs out to students and parents.

"I think it is about time," Dario Soto, legendary P.E. teacher of MBES said. "It is a very good thing."

Praise came from staff at other schools.

"Shelly is probably the most positive person I have ever been around," Steve Priest Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow High School principal said. "She always has a positive attitude."

People in the room commented on her putting in special effort concerning students.

"She looks to find the best in every student she teaches," Kenda Colman, Medicine Bow resident said. "My grandson had her for kindergarten and she saw he had an aptitude in math, so she worked with him individually and he was doing second grade level work at the end of kindergarten."

"Shelly is a super teacher," Bonnie Culver, librarian for Medicine Bow, said.

MBES staff members Courtney Priest and Chelsea DeWitt sent in the application.

"Mrs. Cooper should be teacher of the year because of her love for education and the children of MBES. It is not hard to miss the artwork in her classroom with the words "I love you Mrs. Cooper", "We love Mrs. Cooper', or "Mrs. Cooper is the best", The application said. "So in the words of her students, past and present, we love Mrs. Cooper and think she deserves to be CCSD2 teacher of the year so that everyone will know how special she is."

Noel Manning said although he knows the outstanding quality of educators in CCSD2, Cooper was the candidate to win.

"Especially this year, when Shelly was rallying around the community to make sure the Medicine Bow school thrives," Manning said. "She is a fantastic collaborator and team player, she is always willing to jump on board with projects we have, and I can't say enough good things about her. She is always a pleasure to be around and her sense of humor is amazing."

Karen Patton, CCSD2 nurse for all the schools, said she has known Cooper for years.

"She has that spark that doesn't quit," Patton said. "You will never hear a complaint ever come out of her mouth."

Schneider agreed with Patton's assessment.

"She is the most positive educator I have ever come across," Schneider said. "Throughout this past year, with the potential closing of the schools, she never let it impact her ability to teach the kids, she never got negative and was always looking for the brighter side."

Students were happy to see Cooper win.

"I think she is a great teacher," student Sam Heward said. "I could tell she was surprised, but she deserves it because she is super kind."

Many people at the ceremony said the honor for Cooper was well deserved.

"I knew Shelly was teacher of the year in my own eyes," Kathy Thompson librarian for the three northern elementary schools said. "Whether she had the official title or not."