From humble beginnings in small-town Texas to shaping the lives of students as a professional school counselor, this educator’s career reflects her passion for teaching, personal development, and community impact. With over two decades of experience, Rachel Copeland has made a lasting mark in both elementary and high school settings, focusing on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Her journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and commitment to the future of education.
Early Life and Education
Born in Louisiana and later moving to Texas, Ms. Copeland graduated from Grapeland High School in 1995, a small school built by prisoners, with a class of just 50 students. After high school, Ms. Copeland pursued her dream of becoming a teacher after finishing her degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Majoring in both elementary education and special education, Ms. Copeland completed her bachelor’s degree in 1999 with honors, taking out $18,000 in loans to fund her education. After teaching for 19 years, Ms. Copeland decided to further her career by enrolling in Lamar University’s online program, where Ms. Copeland earned a master’s degree in school counseling with a perfect 4.0 GPA in 2018. Ms. Copeland paid $20,000 for the program entirely on her own.
Her passion for teaching was clear from the start, a calling that has motivated her throughout her life.
Career Journey and Impact on Students
Her teaching journey began in Magnolia, Texas, where Ms. Copeland taught at the high school level. Teaching there exposed her to the challenges of suburban education, which Ms. Copeland found to be quite different from other settings. When Ms. Copeland later moved to Houston, Ms. Copeland shifted to teaching elementary students and discovered the lack of classroom control. This realization inspired her to expand her focus beyond her own students, Ms. Copeland wanted to support teachers in developing classroom management skills and help students build essential coping strategies.
Over the years, Ms. Copeland found fulfillment in working with children to develop not only their academic abilities but also their social and emotional skills. As a school counselor, her most rewarding experience came during her time at Jefferson Elementary in Houston ISD. There, Ms. Copeland worked closely with the community to help grow family engagement, creating long-lasting relationships that encouraged parents to become advocates for their children’s education.
One of her most impactful contributions at Jefferson Elementary was initiating a video announcement program that encouraged student participation and strengthened connections between parents, students, and teachers. This initiative fostered a positive school culture where everyone felt engaged and valued, leaving a lasting impression on the community.
More recently, Ms. Copeland has spent the past two years at Northbrook High School, working with the RISE program, which focuses on recruiting top scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, work ethic, and integrity. A highlight of her career, Ms. Copeland enjoys working with first-generation college students, knowing that the skills and guidance Ms. Copeland provides will create life-changing opportunities for them and their families.
Life Outside of Work
Her love for education is matched by a variety of personal interests and hobbies. Ms. Copeland enjoys running, with her current mile time clocking in at nine minutes. In addition to staying active, Ms. Copeland loves woodworking and is currently working on an outdoor pergola project. Baking is another passion, with oatmeal chocolate chips and peanut butter cookies being her specialty and personal favorite.
A Day in the Life of a School Counselor
In her current role as a professional school counselor, her day starts before the school day begins. Ms. Copeland reviews student transcripts and schedules to ensure everyone is on track to graduate. Throughout the day, Ms. Copeland engages with students, providing guidance, support, and motivation to help them achieve their personal and academic goals.
