Story by Sonja Bailes
Haughton High’s Barbara Cox expects excellence, not just from her business students but from herself and the four other teachers in her department as well.
Recently, Haughton’s Business Department became the first in the parish where everyone has acquired MOS 2013 certification.
“If we’re going to ask students to pass the test, I feel we, as teachers, need to be able to pass it and do that, too.”
Cox also encourages her Business Computer Applications (BCA) and College BCA students to get MOS 2013 certified. That has resulted in Haughton High receiving recognition as one of the top 10 schools in Louisiana for the total number of students certified.
“It’s a great certification for them if they leave high school and don’t go to college,” Cox said. “It looks great on a job application or resume because it’s not easy. It gives them a competitive edge.”
She added that MOS 2013 also counts as an industry-based certification.
There is no doubt Cox is passionate about teaching and ensuring her students are prepared for the future. It is why she was nominated by one of her colleagues and is Bossier Schools’ latest Gold Star award winner.
Cox could not have been more surprised when representatives from Gold Star sponsor Bossier Federal Credit Union came into her class, accompanied by Principal Gene Couvillion and others to congratulate her.
“It makes me feel good, but we all work well together,” Cox said of the honor. “They are a great team.”
Couvillion gushed about Cox winning the Gold Star.
“She is very deserving. I can’t think of someone who deserves it more,” he said.
“Mrs. Cox takes care of her business. She has been department head for years, so she understands the importance of being prepared,” Couvillion added. “Anything dealing with business, you just turn it over to her and she takes care of it.”
Cox is certainly an integral part of Haughton High, having taught there for 15 years.
When asked what facet of teaching gives her the greatest satisfaction, Cox’s answer underscored why she is such an excellent educator.
“To know my students get it and when they pass that test, I know they’ve got it.”
