Beth Cooper

Superintendent

Dr. Beth Cooper became the Superintendent of The University of Texas at Austin High School District in 2017 after serving as the Principal of UT High School for three years. Dr. Cooper is a Texas certified Superintendent with more than 27 years of experience working as an educator in Texas public schools. She moved into administrative positions at the campus, district, and regional level after teaching secondary math and social studies for 10 years. Much of her career has focused on curriculum and innovation, coaching educators, and providing support to students who don't always follow the typical path, including programs to support students pursuing advanced academics, gifted opportunities, or online learning. Under Dr. Cooper's leadership, the UT High School District (UTHSD) expanded to two high schools and now offers free tuition for Texas residents enrolled full-time. The UTHSD team redesigned all online courses into the Canvas LMS, developed Honors and Advanced Placement courses, added more student support services, expanded school district partnerships, and launched online professional development programs to support educators in Texas school districts. In previous roles Dr. Cooper also focused on expanding student opportunities and support for their success. While working in Pflugerville ISD she led the development of the ASCEND Program for highly gifted students, in Austin ISD she served as the Director of the Kealing Magnet Program improving equitable access, and in Del Valle ISD she worked as the Associate Principal for Academics leading the high school to dramatically improve its state accountability rating from zero to five academic distinctions in one year. Dr. Cooper completed her B.A. in Psychology and the Secondary Teacher Certification program at Indiana University, M.S. in Geography at Texas State University, and Ed.D. in the Cooperative Superintendency Program in Educational Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Cooper is a first generation college student who benefitted from support of family and friends throughout her journey as a lifelong learner. Her family instilled the values of education and service and a belief that working hard makes a difference. She's a proud daughter of a military veteran and has many military-connected family members. Dr. Cooper grew up in Indiana and enjoyed learning first hand at an early age about the inner-workings of a school by tagging along with her mother who was a career elementary school bookkeeper in the Perry Township Schools. Dr. Cooper enjoys music, art, sports, travel, and spending time with her husband, extended family and friends, and their two very sweet, big dogs. She believes that once a teacher, always a teacher, and she enjoys designing learning experiences that help students and educators achieve excellence and find what's next.

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Contact Information
Phone:
512-232-3503