After 32 years of teaching mathematics, Mrs. Becky Cohen is preparing to retire from Potosi Schools. Throughout her career, she has impacted countless students through her dedication, encouragement, and passion for teaching. From helping students understand difficult concepts to building relationships that last long after graduation, Mrs. Cohen says teaching has been the most rewarding career she could have imagined.
Mrs. Cohen said her interest in becoming a math teacher began during her own high school years. She enjoyed classes that challenged her and pushed her to work hard. Along with enjoying the challenge of math, she also liked helping teach and explain concepts to her classmates. That experience inspired her to pursue a career in education.
She has taught for over three decades, and Mrs. Cohen says her favorite classes to teach are Pre-Calculus and Calculus, especially senior-level classes. She explained that students in those courses usually have a stronger understanding of math and truly want to be there and learn, even though that is not always the case.
When asked about her favorite memories from teaching, Mrs. Cohen did not point to a single event. Instead, she said the small notes students have given her over the years mean the most. She has kept many of them as reminders of why she became a teacher and what keeps her going.
Mrs. Cohen also shared what makes Potosi special to her. She described the school staff as a family that looks out for one another and supports each other. She also appreciates the trust between teachers and students, saying that the environment at Potosi feels more personal and connected than at many larger schools.
Thinking back to her first day of teaching, Mrs. Cohen remembered how different it felt compared to now. She started in a much larger school where she did not know many staff members and had not yet developed a routine. She said it took time to adjust to the environment and become comfortable.
As retirement approaches, Mrs. Cohen says she is looking forward to having more free time and being able to enjoy life at her own pace. She joked about finally listening to her “own music” instead of classroom playlists chosen for students. At the same time, she admitted it will be difficult to pack up her classroom and say goodbye after so many years.
Mrs. Cohen’s advice to future teachers is simple: build relationships with students. She believes strong connections help teachers go further and create a better learning environment. She also added with a smile that “snacks make students happy.” Although she has not fully decided what retirement will look like, Mrs. Cohen plans to stay active. She mentioned recovering from knee surgery, traveling, visiting The Ark in Kentucky, and maybe even spending some more time going to Brewers games
Looking back on her career, Mrs. Cohen said teaching has been more rewarding than she ever imagined. While she once considered careers in business or statistical work, she believes becoming a teacher was the best decision she could have made.