VBPS Distinguished Graduate

GREGORY COOPER

CLASS OF 1980

Gregory J. Cooper is honored as a distinguished graduate in the field of education.

Gregory (Greg) Cooper graduated from Belleville High School in 1980. He had many positive experiences as a Belleville Tiger. Influential educational figures at BHS helped fuel his desire to teach and lead others. By sharing his experiences, he has helped young men and women develop strong work ethics and achieve their goals.

While attending BHS, Greg competed and lettered in football and swimming. He was selected as the high school football player of the week twice in 1979. He lettered in swimming in 1978, 1979, 1980 while serving as the team co-captain his senior year.

Greg attended the University of Wyoming, Wayne County Community College (Western Center), and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology and a minor in chemistry in 1989. He earned his Master’s Degree in Secondary Curriculum from Eastern Michigan University in 2000, and is completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Greg currently works as the Executive Director of Curriculum Development for Wayne-Westland Community Schools. He previously served as the Executive Director of Secondary Education and the Director of Secondary School Development for Wayne-Westland. Prior to those positions, Greg was a middle school and high school science teacher in both St. Joseph Public Schools and Wayne-Westland Community Schools. Additionally, he served as a science department chair in Wayne-Westland Community Schools. Greg also coached swimming & diving for Belleville, St. Joseph Public Schools and Wayne-Westland Community Schools.

As a coach, teacher, and mentor, Greg has served his community and several school districts in many ways. Greg served on the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) ethics committee and was a MI CLIMB trainer. He was a member of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) State Assessment and Accountability Committee and helped develop and review the MI BIG project in science.

Greg shares his life with his wife, Tara, and many family members who bring him great joy.