Local Schools

We Celebrate Bryan Elementary’s Anna Laura Cope

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!