The Halifax County Board of Education approved Superintendent Eric Cunningham’s recommendation of Linda Cooper for the position of principal at Enfield Middle STEAM Academy.
Cooper has 23 years of experience in education.
She has worn many hats during her educational journey and knows and understands the importance of each role.
Her experiences in education include substituting, working as a secretary, cheerleading coach, teacher assistant, bus driver, teacher, and administrator.
In 1998, Cooper began working at Coopers Elementary School in Nash County as a teacher’s assistant.
It was her goal to complete school and start her teaching career.
In 2003, she received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Barton College.
Having met all course requirements, in 2002 she was offered a third-grade teaching position at Coopers Elementary.
In 2009, while teaching at Coopers, she earned a master’s of arts degree in reading education from East Carolina University.
In 2013, she added on a licensure in administration from Gardner-Webb University. She completed her administrative internship while continuing to teach.
After 15 years of service, Cooper left Coopers Elementary to serve as an AIG Facilitator for two locations, M. B. Hubbard Elementary School and Middlesex Elementary School.
In this role, she taught students in grades K-5 and offered instructional support and resources to classroom teachers.
In 2015, her final year as a classroom teacher, she taught math and science to fourth-grade students at M.B. Hubbard Elementary School.
She began her administrative career serving as an assistant principal at Williford Elementary School in Nash County in 2016.
She served two years before being transferred to Tar River Academy, an alternative school serving students in grades 6-12.
As an assistant principal at Tar River Academy, Cooper took the lead on many tasks and was instrumental in helping move Tar River Academy from a declining status to progressing.
When Cooper is not serving children, she enjoys hiking, gardening, the beach, and spending time with her family and her children, Alexus and William.
“I am honored to serve with the educators and professionals of Halifax County Schools,” she said. “I truly look forward to enhancing and enriching the lives of the students and their families at Enfield Middle STEAM Academy.”
Said Cunningham: “Ms. Cooper’s enthusiasm and dedication will serve the students and staff well at Enfield Middle STEAM Academy.”
She begins her new job on July 1.