Dawson Spotlight: Jahvin Cosey
Have you met Ms. Jahvin Cosey yet? Ms. Cosey was born in Los Angeles, California. Before moving to Las Vegas, she lived in Chicago, Illinois, and Des Moines, Iowa. She has bachelor's degree in sales and marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master's degree in elementary education from DePaul University. In her free time, Jahvin enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being a baseball mom, selling real estate, swimming, cooking, and setting goals and crushing them. Currently, she teaches third grade and you can learn more about her in this edition of #DawsonSpotlight!
How long have you been a teacher?
I have been teaching for 13 years now. This year, I started my 14th year as a teacher...whew!
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was young, I worked with children at the local summer camp and that's what sparked my love and desire to teach. During my first week of college, I switched my major from education to business. I was not excited about teacher salaries! I studied business, worked in sales for several years, and realized that money was not the root of happiness. I went back to school immediately to pursue my long-awaited teaching degree. I have been teaching ever since!
I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was young, I worked with children at the local summer camp and that's what sparked my love and desire to teach. During my first week of college, I switched my major from education to business. I was not excited about teacher salaries! I studied business, worked in sales for several years, and realized that money was not the root of happiness. I went back to school immediately to pursue my long-awaited teaching degree. I have been teaching ever since!
What’s your favorite thing about teaching at Dawson?
My favorite thing about teaching at Dawson is the relational discipline model. Reinforcing positive behavior is something that most institutions don’t strive to do. In just a few short weeks, I have witnessed young students reason and make sense of their decisions. I absolutely love the approach I am able to take when teaching my students to problem solve. There is no doubt that these skills will benefit them later in life.
My favorite thing about teaching at Dawson is the relational discipline model. Reinforcing positive behavior is something that most institutions don’t strive to do. In just a few short weeks, I have witnessed young students reason and make sense of their decisions. I absolutely love the approach I am able to take when teaching my students to problem solve. There is no doubt that these skills will benefit them later in life.
What is one thing about you that would surprise students?
Most students are usually surprised at my athletic abilities (shameless plug!). Each school year, I challenge my kids to a race. It is the BEST to watch their mouths open wide when I speed past them. Disclaimer: I only race students in fifth grade and younger. Anything past that is dangerous and not safe for an old teacher like myself.
Most students are usually surprised at my athletic abilities (shameless plug!). Each school year, I challenge my kids to a race. It is the BEST to watch their mouths open wide when I speed past them. Disclaimer: I only race students in fifth grade and younger. Anything past that is dangerous and not safe for an old teacher like myself.
What helps you feel strong?
Checking off items on my daily “to-do” list makes me feel accomplished and strong.
Checking off items on my daily “to-do” list makes me feel accomplished and strong.
What does Stronger Together mean to you?
Stronger together speaks to the need for teamwork. With children especially, it truly takes a village. At Dawson, this throughline is alive. I have never felt so supported in my life.
Stronger together speaks to the need for teamwork. With children especially, it truly takes a village. At Dawson, this throughline is alive. I have never felt so supported in my life.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family. Becoming a mother and wife are by far my greatest accomplishments.
I am most proud of my family. Becoming a mother and wife are by far my greatest accomplishments.
Do you have any career highlights that you’d like to note and share with our community?
I like to keep myself busy! For the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work as a Teacher Development Coach for an Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) company. In this work, I have mentored and led new teachers entering the field of education. Additionally, I enjoy practicing real estate after school and on weekends in the Las Vegas area.
Watch her QuickFire Q&A in the hot seat on IGTV here! Thank you for sitting in the spotlight, Ms. Cosey!
Check out all of our #DawsonSpotlight features here.
I like to keep myself busy! For the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work as a Teacher Development Coach for an Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) company. In this work, I have mentored and led new teachers entering the field of education. Additionally, I enjoy practicing real estate after school and on weekends in the Las Vegas area.
Watch her QuickFire Q&A in the hot seat on IGTV here! Thank you for sitting in the spotlight, Ms. Cosey!
Check out all of our #DawsonSpotlight features here.
The Alexander Dawson School
The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, an independent school located on 33-acres in the community of Summerlin, is Nevada’s first Stanford University Challenge Success partner school for students in early childhood through grade eight. Utilizing the unique Challenge Success framework, Dawson uses research-based strategies and programs that emphasize student academics, wellbeing, and a healthy school-life balance to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient learners and leaders. At Dawson, students achieve their individual potential while savoring life and meeting the challenges of the world.