Award-winning educator announces his retirement

An award-winning educator and principal of Cape Girardeau's Jefferson Elementary School, Mark Cook, has announced his retirement after 32 years in the Cape Girardeau Public School District. A 2010 Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year and a 2010 VFW Ladies Auxiliary Educator of the Year "will be difficult to replace," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim Welker. Cook began his teaching career as a sixth-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School, serving 17 years in that capacity. He is remembered by one parent from that era as a "creative educator who used innovative techniques to inspire his students to greater achievements."

Cook advanced through the ranks to serve as a math teacher at Jefferson and an assistant principal at Alma Schrader. He has been principal at Jefferson for the past 14 years. He earned his Master's in Education in 1988 and his Specialist in Education in 1994. In 2004 representatives of the U. S. Department of Education visited Jefferson Elementary and recognized the school for student achievement.

Cook married the former Lana Davie 35 years ago and the couple has two sons, Casey and Noland, both graduates of Cape Public Schools. "I have one grandchild and another on the way," Cook said, "and Lana and I plan to remain in Cape, of course. I would like to do some teaching, in fact!" Cook is active in the First General Baptist Church as Praise Band Leader. He said retirement will enable him to devote additional time to music, reading, travel and some home repair projects.