West Potomac High School Special Education teacher Lawrence Cooper was recognized recently as the first-ever Fairfax County Public Schools CARES of the Quarter recipient.
Cooper, a Work Awareness and Transition teacher at the school and FCPS employee for 27 years was surprised by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, School Board members, Educate Fairfax and WPHS staff with balloons, a plaque and a check for $500 from Apple Federal Credit Union.
Cooper was one of 21 educators recognized throughout the year as a monthly CARES winner and was chosen as the October Region 3 Recipient of the Month.
An anonymous colleague nominated Mr. Cooper, commending him for always going above and beyond for his students.
“Mr. Cooper engages and motivates his students in many different activities some are non-conventional and lots of fun,” his nomination read. “His repertoire ranges from cooking, gardening, painting, shop (building furniture), and arts and crafts to name a few. He engages students to be creative and think outside the box making tables with real bugs, flowers, sand, and lots of other natural stuff.
“Whatever will teach his students a greater sense of independence is what Mr. Cooper strives to-do.”
The nominator emphasized that Cooper is “generous to a fault,” paying out of his own pocket to provide a fish fry to feed students and staff every spring.
He quietly accepted the award and took pictures in the hallway decorated for the holidays by his students.
“I’m humbled. I love what I do, this is my 27th year in FCPS,” he said. “I started off driving a bus and I worked in special education in different forms. I still have a part-time job that I’ve had for almost 17 years working with special education adults. I’m going to keep doing this until I can’t do it anymore and thank you all for this.”
Superintendent Reid commended Cooper for his ability to see potential in every student and for going above and beyond for his students; whether it’s hosting a meal at a restaurant for them, or decorating the hallway for the holidays and for Black History Month.
“There are some people who light up when they are around children and just make magic happen and you are such an educator,” she said. “To see potential in each and every student is something that not every person in education sees and that is an inspiration to me and I know to the young people and their families and your colleagues.”
Educate Fairfax launched the new FCPS Cares of the Quarter initiative in 2024 as a way to elevate some of the division’s brightest stars. Together in partnership with Apple Federal Credit Union, the award is a way of saying thank you to those who go above and beyond in the name of teaching.
“We are really excited to be here. This is a new initiative and our board and staff have come together to be able to celebrate staff that are doing amazing jobs,” Educate Fairfax Executive Director Dr. Lynette Henry said. “We know how much you give and we know you were celebrated already, but we want to go above and beyond for you because you already go above and beyond for so many.”
The FCPS CARES Program gives parents, staff and community members a chance to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond for their students, colleagues and community. Monthly winners receive a certificate and engraved pin.