When Coppell High School English IV teacher Courtney Ferrell enters her classroom, she does so with intention, not just as an educator, but as a person understanding the importance of balance.
After nearly 15 years in education, Ferrell learned being an effective teacher means knowing when to pause, reflect and protect her own peace, lessons she models for her students each day.
“I follow the rules, but I don’t sweat the small stuff,” Ferrell said. “I want to make sure that everybody is safe and feels cared for and that everything is fair, but I’m not going to freak out if you don’t have a pencil or if you’re having a bad day and just need a second.”
Ferrell brings a calm presence to the classroom. Senior Bailey Butler describes Ferrell’s environment as unlike any other class, relaxed but still purposeful.
For Ferrell, teaching is not only about analyzing literature or writing essays; it is about creating a space where students feel seen.
Her students eat breakfast in class, chat quietly while working and find comfort in the laid-back atmosphere she cultivates.
“I like that she keeps the lights dim,” Butler said. “All my other teachers just love to blind me with their lights, but she’s calm about it. She lets us work on our own and doesn’t talk to the entire class. She respects us and helps when we need it. She’s just sweet, and funny, too.”
That approach, however, does not come from coincidence. According to Ferrell, her balance-first mindset stems from years of navigating both the pressures of teaching and the responsibilities of family life.
“This is my job, but it’s not my life,” Ferrell said. “I give a big part of myself to my students and this school, but I also try to leave it here and live my life outside.”
Outside of school, Ferrell describes herself as a girly girl who loves shopping, brunching and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants, while her stepdaughter’s cheerleading events keep their family calendar full.
“You’re never going to be less busy, you just have to do it anyway,” she says. “You have to take care of yourself before you can give to others.”
Ferrell’s balanced perspective is part of what makes her so respected among staff.
“She’s very approachable, very easygoing and just a really cool person,” English teacher Luke Bray said. “She exudes confidence, and that confidence is inspiring. It’s something I try to live up to. The relationships she has with students really show that she’s casual, dependable and always there when you need her.”
Her sense of humor also brings levity to even the most stressful meetings.
“She’s really witty and great with her comedic timing,” Bray said. “Whenever things get tense, she’ll have a one-liner that cools the room down and makes everyone laugh. That’s just who she is, she brings calm to chaos.”
Ferrell’s ability to maintain balance, both personally and professionally, makes her classroom a space valuing kindness, connection and perspective, reflecting her own philosophy: to stay grounded, lead with empathy and find peace in the middle of life’s busyness.
“I tell my students all the time, you’ve made it through 100% of your hard days so far,” Ferrell said. “It’s OK to take a moment. The days are long, but the years go by fast. If you can find that balance now, you’ll carry it with you forever.”
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