STEPHEN DANBY
Coppell Middle School East If teaching doesn’t work out, Stephen Danby jokes his backup plan is to become a social media influencer on Tik Tok. This sense of humor, understanding of what his students are into and his focus on relationships are among the many reasons Danby is so beloved, highly
with students, in our hallways and on our campus with his fellow staff members,” says CMS East Principal Steve Glover. Behind his jovial attitude, Danby works hard to create innovative and engaging lessons for his students. Responding to his learners’ interests, Danby created a Building Young Leaders
in the response to his announcement as the 2020 CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Many of his colleagues participated in a surprise drive-by parade to surprise Danby with the announcement in May. Several families also shared their appreciation of him on social media.
DISTRICT TEACHERS regarded and respected as a teacher at CMS East.
course, which has become so popular, it has doubled in section offerings.
“Stephen’s positive and encouraging interactions with students and staff are evident from the strength of the relationships he creates in his classroom
“I believe middle school is a crucial time to develop leadership skills,” said Danby, who also teaches social studies. “My students are eager to become leaders at our school, in our community and in their lives.” Danby’s roots in CISD run deep, as he grew up behind CMS East in a house his parents still live in today. Danby graduated from Coppell High School in 2006, where he met his wife, Lauren, who teaches choir at CMS East. “Growing up here, I know how special Coppell is,” Danby said. “So, it was important to teach and raise my family here, because Coppell is home.” Danby’s care for his students, fellow teachers and community was evident
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COPPELL ISD OUR STORY
Fall 2020
For Danby, this recognition and his teaching career come back to one thing — relationships. “My intelligence, my organization, my credentials and even my most sincere hard work mean absolutely nothing if I do not start by building relationships with my learners,” he said.
