Announcing our 2025 Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year!

Eagles, 

Please help us celebrate our 2025 Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year, Shanon Cooper!

Here's what several nominations had to say about Mrs. Cooper's professionalism, skill, kindness, and generosity as an educator:

"Mrs. Cooper is a great example of an educator who teaches her TK students with love and grace. She gently works with them to help them choose good behaviors and makes sure her classroom is peaceful, fun, and age appropriate for these kids who are brand new to school."

"Not only is she a great teacher, but she supports other teachers in the classroom, drawing from her many years of teaching experience. She is a delightful human and is always there when her colleagues need advice or just to have someone understanding to talk to. She makes everyone- both students and colleagues- feel seen, heard, and appreciated!"

"She has the biggest heart for her students!"

"She works to understand all of her students. She listens and cares for them and is always excited to see them each day. I feel really comfortable that my son is with her because I know he's in very good hands. My son tells me he looks forward to another day of school, even on the weekends. Thank you, Mrs. Cooper!"

We could not agree more! Mrs. Cooper, thank you for being such a beacon in Joplin Schools. Your classroom philosophy, teamwork, and love for kids is evident in everything you do, and we're proud to have you represent our district as Teacher of the Year. Thank you for helping us keep #LearningTodayForaBetterTomorrow! 

This award is sponsored by the Joplin Schools Foundation, who will further celebrate Shanon at a Board of Education meeting later this year. We are grateful for their help to honor educator excellence!