Cook Takes on Education Coordinator Role

Jennifer Cook is the new education coordinator at Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech University in geography and history and her teaching certification from the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators. She also received her Education as a Second Language certification from Louisiana State University, her mentor teacher certification from the Louisiana Association of Educator’s Teaching and Learning Center, a Master of Education degree in educational leadership from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational administration at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Cook taught science, computer science and math at Central Middle School in the Central Community School System and was a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) advisor. Additionally, she taught social studies at Westdale Middle School in Baton Rouge. During her 11 years of teaching, she realized that K-12 teachers do not always have time to plan lessons that allow for hands-on learning. So, through her new position at LSG, she hopes to create lesson plans teachers can easily implement and that also create a passion for science within students.

Cook will work closely with LSG Extension agents and specialists to bring educational opportunities to their coastal regions, while also expanding outreach efforts to new schools, education centers, eco-tourism groups and other organizations, as well as central and northern Louisiana. She hopes to implement activities that demonstrate how weather and climate change have impacted Louisiana’s environment, and is looking into applying climate literacy into curriculum. Additionally, she is looking into Louisiana’s fog data to determine the impact fog has on seafood production so she can apply this research into her educational programs.

“I am thrilled to combine my passions into one role and share it with such an amazing group of people,” said Cook. “I can work with researchers and scientists, educate students about the environment around them, and help teachers bring fun, quality lessons to their classrooms.”