WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderTeacher of the Week: Mr. Cook

Teacher of the Week: Mr. Cook

By Laura Gibbs

ROCKFORD (WREX) - One Rockford P.E. teacher and coach returns to his elementary school alma mater. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary when Billy Cook came to McIntosh this week. A lot went into surprising our "Teacher of the Week."

Coach Cook brings Auburn High School football players to mentor 3rd grade students every other Tuesday. He expected to walk right in and help students read.  3rd grade student Demericka Hearne states, "Every time he comes into our class he smiles and you can really see in his eyes that he's a good person."

Mrs. Shannon Symonds 3rd graders nominated Coach Cook.  In the letter Mrs. Symonds writes, "He gives the 3rd grade students, the opportunity to identify with his high school students and shows what it takes to succeed."

Mr. Cook says, "I'm not doing this for any type of recognition. It's to help these younger students with their ability to read and progress their education." Mrs. Symonds states, "He's really made reading fun for the students by bringing over the high school students. It's something for our students to look up to." Mr. Cook goes on to say, "I thought they would look up to the players and not me cause I'm not playing anymore so it was awesome."

For one hour high schoolers either listen, ask questions or just talk. The little ones see the importance of passing and these big guys see where their educations taking them. Auburn High School Junior Nick Montgomery tells 13 News, "He's a really good guy. A good coach and one thing I like about him is he really gets us thinking college more and gets us to that next level."

McIntosh students and the high schoolers also keep up with current events like football scores.