Aliso Viejo Middle School Teacher is Capo's Best in 2013

Paul Coppes is a cool teacher--just ask his students:

• "I love him I had him all three years when I went to djams!!! He is so chill and really cares about you... By far the best teacher in djams"
• "coolest teacher u can get he give food to those who dont have any and he`ll let u eat during class and so much more. but get on his bad side and he`ll embarse you constantly to ur class mates"
• "I think that he is the coolest teacher at the school"

(Quotes from ratemyteacher.com)

Coppes was honored Friday morning in front of his parents and district brass. And he thought he was heading outside for a fire drill!

Paul's parents, Linda and Jack Coppes of San Clemente, were on hand for the celebration.

Jack said his son had great teachers growing up in Rowland Heights. And with both his parents as teachers, the job seemed a natural fit.

"He's been around it all his life," his father said.

Here's more about Paul Coppes, courtesy of CUSD spokesman Marcus Walton:

Coppes began his career as a resource specialist in the Covina Valley Unified School District. In 2001, he became a resource specialist in the Capistrano Unified School District. Coppes is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Azusa Pacific University, helping prepare students to become teachers of children with mild and moderate disabilities. 

"Social skills, appropriate behaviors, resisting impulsivity, respecting others’ opinions and needs are a few of the lessons that are introduced, taught, and reviewed in my classroom," Coppes wrote in his application. "These lessons are not part of the state standards, but they are a part of my classroom on a daily basis. These lessons are the ones they will take beyond the walls of my classroom so they may contribute to our world in a positive way."