Ms. Barton began teaching in 1998 and has been at Cooper since 2008. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1997 and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2008. Her favorite aspect about being a teacher is working with children and having the opportunity to watch their social and academic progress throughout the year. Students enjoy her classroom because it is warm, inviting and student-centered — children progress at their individual academic level. There is a focus on social development using academic activities. Family is very important to Ms. Barton and is with whom she spends her free time. She feels that Cooper teachers genuinely care about the development and success of the students. The parent/teacher relationships are focused on the growth of each student. Cooper School also has a friendly and family-orientated atmosphere, not to mention a strong and positive learning environment.