Young A+ Teacher gives her all for a ‘fun, learning environment’

BRADENTON, Fla. — Our A+ Teacher this week is Hailey Cosby from Samoset Elementary School in Bradenton.

Cosby is only in her third year teaching, but her colleagues say she goes above and beyond for her students, and stands above the rest. Cosby’s fifth grade class is a calming, fun place to learn.

“I do what I can to make it fun for them,” Cosby said. “So my classroom is the way it is. I spend weeks preparing and setting it up, I give them prizes and snacks, and make sure they have the necessitates they need, but also these kids deserve to have fun, a fun learning environment just like everybody else.”

Students worked on their math skills this day, which can be challenging, but luckily, they have Ms. Cosby guiding them every step of the way. 

She says it’s important to her to be a trusted adult in her students’ lives.

“Seeing that lightbulb turn on for them, especially if they haven’t had anyone in the past who believed in them, or was able to help push them where they needed to be, being able to be that for some of them is really amazing,” she said.

Samoset Elementary School is a title one school, which can present more challenges for teachers, challenges Cosby happily faces head on.  She also interned here before she started teaching here three years ago, and she says there’s no where else she’d rather be.

“If you’re passionate about it, and I truly am, then it’s what you’re meant to do, and I really feel it’s what I’m meant to do and where I’m meant to be,” she said.

Cosby said she puts her whole heart into teaching and in turn her students put their whole heart into learning.

If you would like to nominate a teacher who is making a difference, you can find the A+ Teacher nomination form on our website.