Throughout Austin High’s lengthy history, few have stayed longer than Ms. Cokor. With over 30 years at this school, she is one of our most valued teachers, having taught subjects like psychology, history, geography, and more. Even after she retires this year, she will remain in the school’s memory for a long time.
Ms. Cokor began her journey into the teaching world wanting to be a school counselor. Before she could become one, she had to finish three years of teaching. During those three years, Ms. Cokor realized that she could impact students’ lives more through being a teacher and decided to stay as one. After graduating from UT with a double major in psychology and history, she began substituting before quickly getting her hands on a job at Austin High.
“The first year is going to be hard,” Ms. Cokor said when asked about advice she had for others. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re trying to do a good job, but it takes people honestly three to five years before they’re really comfortable in their subject matter.” Ms. Cokor studied psychology but was asked to teach geography, even though the last time she took a geography class was when she was in high school. Although it was tough, Ms. Cokor made it through her first few years of teaching successfully, learning lots, bettering her approach, and “realizing that it takes all of us to make this school function.”
After she retires, Ms. Cokor has big plans. She hopes to resume her massage business that’s been on pause since the pandemic. Ms. Cokor has learned both Reiki, a type of energy healing therapy, and massage therapy, all while juggling her Austin High responsibilities. “My massage therapist was like, ‘I think you have a gift for this, and you understand people’s energy,’ and I was like ‘Ok!’” She turned it into a side job, but once she leaves, Ms. Cokor will fully return to the massage world.
Over the years, Ms. Cokor’s seen it all, from streakers during pep rallies being arrested to getting knocked over by a group of students rushing to mosh it up in the gym. She says that some of her favorite things about Austin High are the history and traditions that we have running amok. For instance, like the hall of honor tours she used to help conduct for freshmen, or the performances the band students give to teachers when they serve their spring lunch. Although these are wonderful, Ms. Cokor’s favorite moments by far are when she sees that she has truly bonded with a student. Like when she gets cards from her kids, or when they come to her room during fit and lunch. “The relationships with the students is what gets you through the hard times,” She said. “Just knowing that you at least helped somebody.”
Ms. Cokor is going to always cherish her “home away from home”. Her students and colleagues, especially, have made this place one of the warmest on earth. She is so grateful to them for all they’ve done and would like to extend a massive thank you. “I do think it’s going to be a little bittersweet… I’m very happy that I won’t have to come into this building all the time, but I also know I’m going to miss my students and my friends.”
You’ll be missed right back, Ms. Cokor. Thank you.
