“I like your attitude! I appreciate your kindness. I think you are really smart!”
One by one, the students in Coppell High School Computer Science Principles teacher Michael McCabe’s classroom compliment their fellow peer, standing at the front of the room. This weekly ritual, known as “Friday Compliments” is just one way McCabe encourages kindness and respect among his students.
In his 23rd year of teaching and 14th year at CHS, McCabe has taught various subjects like statistics, algebra and computer science. Nevertheless, his teaching style and passion for helping his students grow as learners and people remains the same.
“He works very hard at forming relationships with them and that endears students to him,” Computer Science teacher Cassie Harmon said.
As a teacher, McCabe believes in the power of teamwork and open communication. Building relationships is an important part of how he conducts his class, helping his students find their voice.
“I try to establish the ability to talk freely, communicate with each other, collaborate, ask questions and to feel safe to speak without being made fun of,” McCabe said.
This attitude and comforting environment lends itself to his subject. McCabe thinks computer science has room for creativity, encouraging his students to experiment and learn through trial and error. Regardless of the unit, McCabe incorporates teamwork and projects rather than multiple-choice questions.
“He explains everything and uses examples and then gives us projects to work on,” sophomore Ojaswini Nair said. “He makes sure that everyone is interacting with each other and working together.”
Interaction and communication is a critical part of learning any subject, especially computer science. McCabe allows students to try out their ideas and develop skills through projects they are interested in.
In addition to providing students with a safe space subject-wise, McCabe ensures everyone walking into his classroom feels appreciated. Students remember the year they spent in his class as one filled with heartwarming conversations and silly jokes.
“McCabe treats his students like his own children,” senior Neena Padinjarekkoott said. “He never missed an opportunity to let us know that he loves us.”
This affirmation-led relationship is one of McCabe’s highest priorities. He understands the various backgrounds students come from and does his best to make them feel safe and special.
As the CHS Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club sponsor, McCabe supports the kids who need it. He is not afraid to stand up for his students, being in their corner no matter what.
“Being a stable figurehead for GSA the past couple of years and reinforcing the fact to them that I am not leaving until the day I retire is important to me,” McCabe said. “I will always be here providing them comfort and support because every kid deserves a champion.”
His willingness to be that champion does not go unnoticed by students and coworkers. Many of the teachers who have worked with him praise McCabe’s teaching style and appreciate everything he does for his kids.
“He’s had very many successful students and I think that speaks volumes to the fact that he is the one that is making that happen,” Harmon said.
After 23 years of having a lasting impact on every student he teaches, McCabe is not finished. With his coworkers relying on his experience and learned expertise, McCabe looks forward to many more years of teaching ahead.
“I’ve had various different teachers from multiple different schools and countries throughout my entire life but no teacher has ever made me feel cared about the way he did,” Padinjarekkoott said. “I’ll forever be grateful I had him as a teacher and will never miss an opportunity to mess with him or just have a small talk.”
Follow Prathi Tamara (@Prathi_Sathish) on instagram and @CHSCampusNews on X.
