CarolAnn Cooper, 48, of Rock Falls, has taught special education and reading to K-2 students at Franklin Elementary School in Sterling for 24 years. She is the daughter of Wes and Jean Cooper of Rock Island, and has three sisters and one brother.
On-the-job lesson: Treat others the way you'd like to be treated.
Alma mater: I graduated in 1980 from Moline High School, and earned a special education degree from Illinois State University.
Philosophy: Be respectful, and treat others the way you'd like to be treated.
Hearts: Quilting and gardening, and "Good Eats" with Alton Brown on the Food Network.
Darts: Dishonest people, and people who hurt children.
Haunts: CONstantly Stitching in Morrison, and Twin City Farmers Market in Sterling.
Hero: My mom. Despite the challenges in life, she successfully raised not only her children, but helped boys by working at Arrowhead Ranch near Coal Valley for more than 20 years.
First job: I worked for the Rock Island Housing Authority as a tenant relations aide when I was 18. It was interesting.
First car: An AMC Hornet when I was 22.
Read this: "19 Minutes," by Jodi Picoult.
Phobias: Heights and snakes.
Guilty pleasure: Buying fabric, because it's beautiful, and eating out.
I'd like to meet: Michelle Obama or Oprah.
In the dictionary next to: Caring.
Trading places: I'd like to be a doctor.
Trading spaces: I'd like to visit the Great Wall of China.
Best thing about Sterling: The small-town atmosphere and how people care for one another.
Shout out to: My co-workers.
Do you know someone who ought to be featured in Know Your Neighbors? Write to Phil Hartman at phartman@svnmail.com or call 800-798-4085, ext. 524.
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