Copas is PBMS Teacher of the Year

From developing a student-run store to helping students learn in creative ways, Poplar Bluff Middle School teacher Shalyn Copas works to provide opportunities for her students.

Copas was named as the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year for the campus after six years with the district.

She teaches intensive special needs students using a “multisensory teaching style that benefits all children,” speech pathologist Donna Baller wrote in her recommendation letter.

PBMS Teacher of the Year Shalyn Copas works with Life Skills students on making jewelry for their Treasured Trinkets store.Photos provided

“Her calm, friendly demeanor allows our students, who have unique learning needs, to acquire skills they didn’t even know they could achieve,” Baller wrote. “She creates a community in her classroom that is positive yet structured. Her expectations are clear, consistent and posted visually.”

Copas is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a master in education from Arizona State University and a master of arts in educational technology from Ashford University.

Prior to starting her full-time teaching position, Copas worked for the district as a teaching assistant for five years.

Students in the Life Skills class display their hand-made jewelry under the instruction of Shalyn Copas.Photos provided

As part of hands-on learning, Copas started a program where students take drink orders from the adults in the building on Friday, then deliver them, take money and count out change.

This school year, she started a similar program by developing a jewelry store, “Treasured Trinkets.” As part of the store, students make and sell jewelry. They work with customers, explain products and handle money.

“Recently, a student who could not grasp the concept of money is now counting change at home, using a multi sensory technique she learned and practiced at school,” Baller wrote. “The joy on this mother’s face when she talked about her daughter’s academic and social success was indescribable.”

Parent Dustie Curnutt said she’s worked with many teachers who have worked with her son, Austin, but many seemed to get frustrated with him. However, she said, Copas hasn’t after two years as his teacher.

“Miss Copas has always been caring, compassionate, professional and honest when it comes to Austin and his educational goals,” Curnutt said. “It is evident that Miss Copas has her students’ best interest at heart.”

Students wrote that Copas helped them with bullying, taught them math and respect, and lets them have fun during school.

“She helped me not to be scared to go to junior high,” sixth grader Maria wrote. “She taught us how to follow expectations. She helps me feel good about school. It’s a nice classroom. I’d like to stay at her classroom.”

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Editor’s Note: This is the fourth of 12 stories highlighting Butler County Teachers of the Year.