Jen Cooper

Education

M.A., University of Texas at Arlington, 2004

Ms. Cooper began her academic career in the English department at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2000, working as a Writing Instructor and then a full-time Lecturer. At UTA, she mentored new Writing Instructors, assisted in the development of learning outcomes for the First Year English (FYE) program, served on a textbook selection committee for the program, and continually refined her approach to student-centered writing instruction.

In 2008, she joined AmeriCorps as a Teaching Fellow with Citizen Schools, a national leader in advocating for education policies that expand learning opportunities for low income students and help close the achievement gap. From 2010-2015, she worked as a Policy Consultant/Analyst for the Texas Association of School Boards, where she counseled public school board members and administrators in policy issues related to all aspects of public school operations, assisted in drafting local district policies and management documents, and drafted publications on a variety policy, governance, and management topics.

As a long-time volunteer and social-justice advocate, she has written grants, organized events, and served on volunteer committees and boards, including, most recently, as a board member for the Texas Democracy Foundation.