It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, we asked you to shout out some local teachers. Here are three who are rockstars in our community.

Mrs. Parker, Mt. Zion Elementary
“I’d love to brag on Mrs. Parker, a first-grade teacher at Mt. Zion Elementary in Johns Island. She has a true passion for fun, learning, and creating a safe space for all children in her class. Her creative energy that she pours into the classroom is unmatched. Mt. Zion is so blessed to have her.” - Casey V.

Erica Becker, Lucy Beckham High School
“Erica Becker is a very special Spanish teacher at Lucy Beckham High School. She has been a department chair and is now heading up a special program to get high school kids interested in becoming teachers. She works tirelessly on lesson plans and still makes time to attend games, dances, and plays. Additionally, she has a long commute and a 3-year-old to care for. She deserves a big shoutout.” - Gayle B.

Mrs. Jennifer Cooper, Reeves Elementary School
"Mrs. Jennifer Cooper is a kindergarten teacher at Reeves Elementary School in Summerville. She is finishing up her 18th year teaching, was named the 2022-23 PTA Teacher of the Year, and still loves being in class every day. Not only is she a teacher to her students, but also a mentor and in many ways, a parental figure. All while coming home each day to be a mom and teacher to her own three kids. Mrs. Cooper’s passion for education and her students is unwavering, as each year is a new challenge of teaching and balancing 20+ students of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and learning abilities. Mrs. Cooper takes her students under her wing and helps guide them from nervous and scared 5-year-olds, where some have never been to any type of school before and do not know any numbers or letters, and sends them to first grade as confident early readers. Mrs. Cooper loves her school “babies” and we know they love her right back. She is truly a rockstar and a shining example of what early education should be. We Love you.” - LB C.

To all the teachers, thank you for what you do every day.