PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- The Pulaski County Special School District awarded the second quarter Inspiration in Education award for the 2024-2025 school year at the October Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Daniel Cooper, band director at Robinson Middle School, is the second quarter winner for this school year’s Inspiration in Education award. Cooper was selected out of 44 nominations. He received 22 nominations, twenty of which came from students.
“Mr. Cooper is very helpful and knows how to connect with students,” said Allison Wagers, a senior at Robinson High School. “He creates a comforting and welcoming environment in the classroom, and knows how to start conversations where everyone can be included. This helps us students not only feel comfortable, but feel a sense of encouragement and motivation from him.”
Cooper has worked with PCSSD for nearly 10 years, currently serving as the band director at Robinson Middle School. Prior to Robinson, Cooper was the band director for Mills Middle and Mills University Studies High School up until last school year. Ben Light, former PCSSD Teacher of the Year and fellow Robinson band director, said Cooper’s work in the Mills feeder was incredible.
“Mr. Cooper revolutionized the Mills Band program,” said Light. “The Mills scholars achieved benchmark success under his leadership. We are so glad to have his energy and expertise at Robinson. He is quickly building relational capacity with our Senator Scholars and setting an expectation of excellence.”
Even former students submitted nominations for Cooper, pointing out the difference he made in their lives both in the classroom and in beyond.
“He helped grow into a more responsible and compassionate person,” said George Belt, a junior at Mills University Studies High. “He was my first band director, he helped me grow as a player and helped me become more serious about music. Mr. Cooper has alway exemplified the qualities of leader everyday by showing patience towards every student, helping students whenever they have a problem, school-related or not, he has always shown compassion and respect unlike any teacher.“
The Board of Education created the Inspiration in Education award to honor certified and support staff members who are inspirational to their students or colleagues in their roles at PCSSD. Additionally, the award recognizes employees who exhibit traits including leadership, mentoring, dedication, excellence and effectiveness in their places of work.
The Inspiration in Education award is presented to the winner quarterly in October, December, March and May. Anyone may nominate a PCSSD employee for the award. The applications are reviewed by the Superintendent's Cabinet for ranking, and the highest scorer is named the quarterly winner and receives the award from the PCSSD Board of Education.