Lindbergh High School Teacher to Receive 2011 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

Eric Cochran, a Lindbergh High School social studies teacher, is one of nearly 100 St. Louis metro area teachers who will be the recipients of the 2011 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards, the company announced Monday.

Cochran will be honored for his commitment to his student and his achievements in the classroom.

“The prosperity of a region is directly linked to the education of its residents, and therefore, it is important to recognize, if not salute, the dedication and innovation shown towards our finest educators,” said David N. Farr, chairman and chief executive officer of Emerson, when he announced the award recipients from the area’s public, private, parochial, and independent schools, and area community colleges and universities.

Cochran and the other award recipients will be presented with their awards during a November 13 ceremony and reception at The Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis’s Grand Center Arts District.

Meet Eric Cochran

Cochran, who was also one of six finalists for this year’s Missouri Teacher of the Year Award, was chosen by the Lindbergh High School administration to receive the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Cochran has been teaching high school social studies for 14 years, the last seven of which he has spent at Lindbergh as the high school's Social Studies Department Chair.

"Eric has been a fabulous representation of both the district and our high school, and we are proud of him," said Dr. Ron Helms, Lindbergh principal. "He has done some phenomenal things to engage and teach students over the years. He's a student magnet."

He has received seven National Merit Inspirational Teacher awards. Cochran has also been named Lindbergh National Honor Society Teacher of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year, in addition to being nominated for the Glider Lehrman American History Teacher of the Year.

In addition to his responsibilities as a teacher and department chair, Cochran is the assistant varsity boys’ basketball coach and he serves on the district’s budget reduction, performance-based teacher evaluations, demographics and character education committees.

About the Award

Cochran and his fellow award recipients will each receive a crystal apple designed by Tiffany’s, as well as an opportunity to apply for a Gold Star Grant from Emerson. The grants are intended to pay for devices that aren’t traditionally funded by schools, such as technology and related services.

"Quality teachers at all levels are absolutely instrumental in helping students achieve the highest level of success imaginable,” said Robert M. Cox Jr., Emerson senior vice president of administration in a press release. “And their achievements ultimately enable our communities to grow, companies to succeed and increase jobs, and provide more progressive employment opportunities in the future.”

The Excellence in Teaching Awards program is in its 23rd year and is sponsored by St. Louis-based Emerson. The company’s Emerson Charitable Trust has given $9.6 million to more than 700 different educational organizations and institutions in the last year.

Cox said that Emerson has awarded more than $210,000 to St. Louis metro area teachers and schools throughout the past five years through the Gold Star Program.

“We are proud to celebrate the area’s most dedicated educators and thank them for their commitment to education and to our children,” Cox said.

Don Marsh, host of St. Louis Public Radio’s St. Louis on the Air on KWMU-FM, is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the awards ceremony.

“We are very proud of Eric, and his commitment to students sets an example for all,” said Beth Cross, the Lindbergh District’s director of communications.