The Toronto City School District is proud to announce that Theresa Cooper has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education. The award was presented by Nancy Karaffa Gill, Susan Schnell Karaffa, and Julie Schnell.

Mrs. Cooper has served the Toronto City School District since 1997 and has dedicated the past twenty-five years to teaching preschool students at Karaffa Elementary School. A 1986 graduate of Toronto High School, Mrs. Cooper earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from West Liberty University.

According to those who nominated her for the award, Mrs. Cooper is recognized for her kindness, patience, dedication, and selfless commitment to students. She consistently goes above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where young learners can grow with confidence. Her classroom encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning while helping students build strong foundations for future success.

Mrs. Cooper and her husband, Tom, reside in Toronto, Ohio. Together, they have three children and three grandchildren.

The Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa Award for Excellence in Education was established in 1997 in honor of Joseph and Anna Marie Karaffa’s 50th wedding anniversary. Funded by family and friends, the award recognizes an outstanding current teacher or administrator in the Toronto City Schools who fosters an environment where teaching and learning are valued.

The Karaffa family has a long history of dedication to the Toronto City School District. Anna Marie Karaffa served for many years as a library aide at Lincoln Elementary School. Joseph Karaffa devoted his career to the district as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Following his retirement, he continued his service as a member of the Toronto Board of Education and the Toronto High School Alumni Association Board.

The Toronto City School District congratulates Mrs. Cooper on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her years of dedication to students and families.