Dora Cooper is a paraeducator at Leith Walk where she has worked for the past 19 years. Prior to this role, she worked in three other schools as an attendance monitor, a substitute teacher, a secretary, and a Kindergarten paraeducator. She has been in the District for over 33 years.
What responsibilities does your job entail?
The responsibilities of my job as a Pre-K Paraeducator include supporting early childhood teachers with daily instruction, classroom management, and the academic, social and emotional developmental needs of young children.
The most important thing to understand is that a Pre-K paraeducator is an asset to the classroom for our developing young learners. We work alongside the teacher as an active part of the classroom team. We help the teacher provide instruction while also helping young children develop their independence, social, communication, and classroom behavior skills needed to become more productive, effective and proficient in a safe, learning and respectful environment.
What other roles do you fill at your school, in the union, and in the community?
I proudly serve my school, union, and community in several meaningful roles. Within my school, I serve as a breakfast monitor. I also serve as the Pre-K team attendance monitor. Additionally, I serve as a host/ greeter for the Read Across America event, by welcoming students, staff, families, and guests to help create a warm and positive experience for everyone. As a union member, I support the mission of advocating for educators, maintaining a positive work environment, and contributing to the strength and unity of my colleagues. Beyond my school, I remain committed to serving and supporting my community. I proudly support many small businesses by using their services and helping promote their growth. Through these roles, I demonstrate my commitment to service, leadership, teamwork, compassion, and giving back to others both within my school and throughout the community.
How do you maintain a positive attitude every day in the face of challenges?
Although working in the school system can sometimes bring challenges, I choose to face them with prayer, patience, endurance, perseverance, and faith. I pray for guidance and direction, trusting that my footsteps are ordered by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe that challenges are opportunities to strengthen us, build our character, and help us grow in areas where we may be weak. God has already equipped us with the tools we need to overcome—we simply have to press forward, trust, believe, and refuse to give up, knowing that victory is possible through perseverance. As a “human rainbow,” I strive to spread positivity, love, kindness, encouragement, and hope, even in the face of difficult circumstances. I stand firmly on my faith and the Word of my Father God, trusting that He will carry me through every challenge as I continue to move forward with endurance and a victorious mindset. Words have power—it’s always best to stop, think, and handle them with care.
BTU’s theme for this school year is “it’s Showtime!” How do you SHOW UP for students and co-workers?
I show up for my students and co-workers by not taking any of us for granted! Life is a precious gift, and I choose to embrace each day with a positive mindset and an “attitude of gratitude”. I strive to be a role model who demonstrates her actions through bringing unconditional love, kindness, joy, encouragement, and support to everyone I encounter. It is my calling and mission to help create a positive, united work environment where we uplift and support one another as a family. By working together in love and unity, I believe we can create a more promising future and open doors to greater opportunities for our scholars, legendary staff, and community—building a foundation that is unbreakable and allowing our collective success to shine bright!
How do you SHOW solidarity and commitment as a BTU member?
As a BTU member, I demonstrate solidarity and commitment by standing united with my fellow educators, supporting their voices, and promoting fairness, respect, and positive working conditions for all. I believe that when we stand together, we are stronger and better equipped to advocate for the needs of our educators, scholars, and school communities. I show my commitment by being supportive, respectful, and willing to lend a helping hand when my colleagues need encouragement or assistance. I believe in working together as a team, communicating with kindness, and standing up for what is right while maintaining professionalism and unity.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Jeana Patti for taking the time to nominate me for this wonderful opportunity to be in the spotlight as a positive representative of BTU and Baltimore City Public Schools. It is truly an honor to be recognized and given the opportunity to share my commitment to serving my colleagues, our scholars, and our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the values of positivity, unity, love, kindness, and services I strive to demonstrate each day. Thank you, Leith Walk Elementary Middle School family, for believing in me and recognizing the light that I strive to bring to those around me. I am truly humbled and blessed by this opportunity and grateful toc all you family!