"Student success is a partnership between the school, families, and the community. We all benefit when our students do well."
When Chris Koopman was a young student, he hadn’t dreamed of becoming a school principal. But Chris had loved the structure of school, and when an opening in his senior schedule made him a candidate to work as a tutor, Chris took his first step on what would become a lifelong journey. Chris worked daily in special education classrooms, helping students meet their goals. "This was my first experience working with kids who learned differently, and it was eye-opening. I was able to see the different challenges some students face daily." He enjoyed the time he spent helping students at his school and had a knack for the role. "After that semester, the special education teacher convinced me to give teaching a try because he felt I had the right temperament for it. When I went to UW-Platteville the following year, I took one semester of education classes and one semester of business classes to see which I enjoyed more. My second year in college, I majored in Education."
After graduation, Chris began his teaching career at the La Crosse School District, working as a substitute teacher in the spring of 2003. He then took a job with Chileda, a learning center for adults and children with cognitive and behavioral challenges. In the summer of 2004, Mr. Koopman arrived in Hillsboro, taking a job as a middle school special education teacher, a role he relished and excelled in. But the job wasn't an easy one. "The first few years of teaching are very difficult. No amount of classes, training, or field experience can fully prepare teachers for the many different challenges that come with teaching."
Since Mr. Koopman began his career in education, the landscape has grown increasingly complicated. Teacher shortages, the rise of social media and AI, and challenges surrounding student engagement present new questions and quandaries for districts across the country. "No one goes into education because it is easy or lucrative. People go into education because they want to help, and they stay because they understand that being able to help prepare students for their future is worth the challenge. As an educator, you are fully invested in your students' success. There is a tremendous amount of responsibility that comes with that, and every educator takes on the burden."
When Mr. Koopman became middle and high school principal in 2016, he brought a focus on collaboration and building community. "Parents, community members, and educators all want the same thing for our students. If you ever have a question about what we do or how we do it, please take the time to ask us. We all want the very best for our students and have reasons behind the systems we keep in place. If something doesn't seem right, ask. Student success is a partnership between the school, families, and the community."
Chris experiences the impact of his commitment to community building when he encounters past students (some now parents of current students). "Every year, I enjoy the alumni basketball tournament. The majority of the people who return to participate in the event are people that I've taught in the classroom, had in the building as a principal, or are former players that I've coached. We talk about families and careers, and I get to see how everyone turned out. The role that I played was very small, but I still feel like I was a part of their lives during one of the most influential times they will experience." And Mr. Koopman recognizes the village of individuals who contribute to each student's success. "For every graduate, I think about the number of people outside their family who have been a part of their journey to that stage. Teachers, paraprofessionals, interventionists, counselors, custodians, principals, coaches, and advisors have all played a role in the graduates' lives. It is not too difficult to see the immense importance of education and the role educators play during a graduation ceremony."
Mr. Koopman is committed to the continued advancement of Hillsboro School District, maintaining a high-performing district that closes achievement gaps. "I want to continue to provide opportunities for students to learn who they are and develop goals for success for themselves. I want to continue to prepare students for an ever-evolving world through college or career readiness and workforce partnerships. I want to continue to make this a place families want to send their kids to, where students want to be here, and where staff want to work here. I'm very proud of this district."