Coolman earns teacher of year honors

by Angie Asam, Staff Writer

Mr. Chad Coolman, who has been with the Rogers City Area Schools since 1999, was recently named ?teacher of the year? for his efforts. Coolman, originally from Marquette, is married to Lisa (Radzibon) and has two daughters, Hope, 3, and Keri, six-months. Hope was one of the many to congratulate her dad on the honor as she told him she was proud of him and that he was dad of the year as well.

?I was surprised by the honor. I know everybody says it, but it is humbling. When you think of all the great teachers we have in the district it is pretty humbl

ing to think that I am the teacher of the year. Maybe they should let some people do it over and over again because we have had some pretty good ones. It is still setting in,? said Coolman. Over his 12 years spent with the district, Coolman has taught government, civics, geography, U.S. history, world history, economics and physical education/health. He has also touched students as a coach as he has spent time coaching football, wrestling, softball and golf. He is also the school?s Close Up Washington advisor and will be taking his fourth group of students to the center of United States Government this spring.

Coolman is a graduate of Northern Michigan University and is well known as a big Green Bay Packer fan. In his teaching, he teaches not only high school students but middle school as well. ?I definitely want to say thank you to those who nominated me. I have had quite a few congratulations. My family, both sides, were really excited. It has been nice with just people in the community as well as former students and coworkers congratulating me,? said Coolman.