Journey toward teaching a continuing process for Wauneta-Palisade’s Cox

Stepping into Wauneta-Palisade’s Wauneta Attendance Center has a familiar feel to new sixth grade teacher Colby Cox.
Cox grew up and attended Hayes Center Schools, but graduated from WP in 2016.
She went on to play basketball and graduate from McCook Community College with an Associates of Art degree.
After attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney for a year, Cox graduated from Chadron State College with an Interdisciplinary Degree this spring.
Her work continues though.
“As for my student teaching journey, I will be finishing up those classes this semester and next, and will be teaching on a temporary license from the NDE,” Cox said.
She plans on officially graduating with an Elementary Education Degree (K-8th Endorsed) next spring, but will have two years to finish any other classes.
Choosing WP was easy for Cox, who said it feels like home.
“I know how important community is and this community, and even several staff members within the school system, have supported me since I transferred to WP six years ago. I knew they would continue to do so as I started my teaching career as well,” Cox said.
With middle school being such a pivotal time in kids’ lives, Cox said she has the chance to be such a positive influence and have a great impact on them.
Cox hasn’t been a stranger around the school. Not only does she have four siblings attending WP Schools, Cox served as assistant coach to her dad, Matt, on the Bronco girls’ basketball team and coached WP’s grade 3-6 girls’ teams.
Teaching middle school fits her plan of sticking with the coaching position and adding junior high sports at some point, giving her that much more of a chance to be a role model for them.
In the meantime, Cox will be student teaching with math teachers Terra Higgins and Staci Applegarth this year and watching other teachers around her to pick up tricks of the trade.
Along with sixth grade reading, writing and social studies, Cox will be teaching seventh grade social studies.