Meet Judy Cohen, a seasoned educator and devoted member of the Learning Support Team at Hausner for the past seven years. Judy's teaching journey is as diverse as the settings she's worked in, ranging from a quaint country valley in Upstate New York to the expansive public school system in Georgia. Beyond the classroom, Judy envisions herself as a gardener or historic preservationist in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background and experience?
I am married and have three grown daughters, one beautiful cat, and a charming parakeet named Monet. I started teaching as a second career after making my living as a professional musician (violist). My first love as a teacher was early childhood education. I taught 1st grade for a while, then was primarily a stay-at-home mom until my youngest started preschool at our local JCC. I followed her to preschool as a teacher and ended up teaching preschool in different settings for ten years! Encountering children on the autism spectrum prompted me to go back to school to earn my Masters in Special Education. Because my family moved several times, I have had the opportunity to teach in all kinds of settings, from a tiny elementary school in a country valley in Upstate New York to a vast public school system in Georgia.
2. What is your role at Hausner and how long have you been here?
I have been a member of the Learning Support Team at Hausner for seven years.
3. What do you hope your students will take away from their time in your classroom, both academically and personally?
I hope that after their time with me, my students take away the sense that they are truly unique and wonderful, with something important to offer the world. I hope that they start to build a strong moral compass and a willingness to stand up for what they believe in. Lastly, I hope that they learn to dream big and to work hard.
4. What do you think you would do if you weren’t a teacher?
If I were not a teacher, there are lots of other things I would enjoy. I could see myself as a gardener or historic preservationist in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
5. What do you do when you’re not at work?
When I have time off work, I love hiking, reading novels, doing yoga (every day), and getting up to Portland or out to New York to visit my daughters and their partners and my beautiful baby grandson!