2021 Wilbur Award Honoree, Theresa Cowling

Theresa Cowling has served children in the Texarkana Arkansas School District for nearly twenty years. Throughout her career, Theresa has won multiple state and regional awards for her leadership and has worked tirelessly as a collaborative leader with a laser focus on student success. She has implemented several new, successful programs, handles all challenges with a smile and is never too busy to help a student or staff member.

Testimonials from two of Mrs. Cowling’s staff members:
We like working with Mrs. Cowling for three big reasons. First, she never asks anyone to do something she wouldn’t jump right in and do herself. In fact, we see her doing everything all the time- never too good to move a desk, never too busy to stop and acknowledge someone with a thank you, never too out of touch to follow up about something in your personal life. Second, she is a collaborative leader who tries to get the best out of the people around her. When she delegates responsibilities, you know she does it with the different strengths and dynamics of her team in mind. It has always been fun and rewarding to learn and grow here. Third, if something has her name on it, you better believe a lot of planning went into it. Even if you don’t understand it at first, she always says you need to trust the process, and she has never been wrong on that. It will be in the best interests of the greatest number of people involved, especially kids. It’s never about her ego- it’s all about kids.

THANK YOU Theresa! For being a leader worth following!