By Logan F., 6th Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Shannon Cohen, athletic director of Krieger Schechter Day School, brings much professionalism and positivity to the school.
In 2009, Cohen began teaching at KSDS, where she has served as a gym teacher and coach.
From a young age, Cohen has always loved sports. As she describes it, “At six years old, [my parents] put a basketball in my hand, and I loved it in every sense.”
Cohen’s love of athletics ultimately led her to secure a scholarship to play Division I basketball at Loyola College. Following graduation, Cohen managed a gym; then she worked as a Division I assistant basketball coach at Canisius College for two years; the University of Pennsylvania for one year; and Boston University for two years.
Cohen learned about KSDS from her father who was the girls’ B basketball coach when Mike Foxwell served as KSDS athletic director. He told her about the job opening for a physical education teacher. Cohen applied, interviewed, and landed the job. It was the perfect job for her. At KSDS, Cohen teaches kindergarten through eighth grade students, and she coaches girls’ soccer, girls’ basketball, and track and field. As athletic director, Cohen is also in charge of scheduling games and planning programs and curriculum. She is well respected among her students.
According to Skye S., a sixth grade KSDS student, “Shannon is very playful and serious.” Cohen can also make class fun by giving students free time; it makes them feel independent and provides them with a chance to choose the type of physical activity they want to do.
According to Emma M., another sixth grade KSDS student, “Shannon lets us have fun while teaching us; she can be very serious but also really funny.”
Cohen has a great attitude and serves as a role model to her students.
“She always sees the good part of a bad situation,” says Emma, referring to her dedication to helping students. For example, she spent extra time with a student who was unable to shoot a basketball until that student was successful. Cohen leaves a positive and lasting mark on all of her students at KSDS.
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