Our next Teacher Spotlight features 4th grade teacher Anna Laura Cope of Bryan Elementary School in Morris.
Tell us a little about you and how you decided to become a teacher?
I am married to Cris Cope and have three children, Jonathan 13, Caroline 11, and Miles 6. I teach 4th grade at Bryan Elementary. This is my 18th year teaching.
Being a teacher is in my blood. My mom taught for 30 years, and I also have several relatives who are in education. I loved helping my mom work in her classroom and was interested in the work she brought home. As I became older, I knew I wanted a career working with the public. After graduating from college, I realized I wanted to teach elementary school, so I decided to go through the Fifth Year Program at UAB to achieve this.
What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
It’s difficult to pick just one favorite part of teaching. I love to see students grow academically throughout the year, and to observe how their different personalities come together as a class to make a unique school year. I especially love making lifelong connections with my students and their parents.
Are there special moments where you say to yourself “this is why I teach?”
When I see a student smiling because he/she is proud of accomplishing a difficult task.
What’s the one thing you would like people to know about teachers?
I would like people to know teaching is rewarding. However, it’s a big responsibility. We have been entrusted with the task of preparing students not only academically but also socially. After all, they are our future!
