Learn more about Addie Cooper, a student graduating from our Educational Foundations (EdF) program, through our Graduate Spotlight series
"I want to change the world through teaching. Every child deserves a safe and fun place to learn and to be themselves." –Addie Cooper
Meet Addie Cooper! Addie (she/her) born in Guatemala but grew up in Boise, Idaho, will be graduating from our Educational Foundation program. The Educational Foundations program prepares aspiring future professionals in education and related fields to be critical thinkers, well informed about theory and practice, and to possess the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be change agents in economically, racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities.
How has the Educational Foundations program prepared you for your career?
The educational foundations program helped me grow my passion for teaching. The classes helped prepare me for what is to come, and the professors were open, communicative, and amazing. Utilizing the academic advisors at HEDCO helped keep me on track to graduate as well.
What are you proud to have been involved with at the university of Oregon?
Since my first week of freshman year, I have been part of OSPIRG, an activist group on campus OSPIRG has helped me grow not only skill-wise but also as a person. Through OSPIRG, I have been able to make a change in the world and speak up about important issues such as pollution, food insecurity, and affordable education. I had the honor of running our lead campaign my sophomore year where we successfully passed a bill to ban polystyrene in Oregon.
I also got the privilege of being the chapter and state board chair for the 2023-2024 school year as well as being elected to the DEI state board chair for the 2024-2025 school year. OSPIRG made a big change in my life, and I would not be where I am without it. I am so proud to be a part of it
Can you tell us about your involvement in the Aspiring Educators Club?
I have been in the Aspiring Educators Club for the last two and a half years, starting winter term of my sophomore year. Going to my first meeting, I instantly felt welcome and a part of the community. Besides my classes, I did not have many people around me who shared my passion for teaching and education work, so joining the Aspiring Ed Club gave me a chance to meet others with whom I have been friends since. I knew I wanted to continue to foster this environment, so I ran for an executive position that I held during my junior and senior years.
How do you hope to change the world?
I want to change the world through teaching. Every child deserves a safe and fun place to learn and to be themselves. There are so many injustices happening in our world, and I know it can be scary and stressful, especially for younger humans. I want students to be excited to come to class and feel like they have a space to talk about how they feel and how they want their education to look.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I hope to use my degree and become a substitute teacher for a year before returning to UO, hopefully, and getting my teaching certificate at UOteach. Then I hope to start teaching kindergarten here in Oregon. I know that I will eventually want to travel; one unique experience I could have as a teacher is teaching abroad. Once I am retired from the classroom, I hope to go into education policy and work on making a more accessible and equitable system for all educators.
What advice would you give incoming/current students?
My biggest piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to branch out and utilize the resources and clubs that we have on campus. I know it can be hard when you are in a new place/school, but different spaces and clubs that are available at UO are so helpful for building communities and making life-long friends. So, try to go out at least once and see what piques your interest because there are many opportunities available.