Lara Cox wants to get kids moving.
The K-sixth physical education teacher at Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School is devoted to making sure students exercise their bodies along with their brains.
Her devotion paid off when she earned an honorable mention at the Arizona Educational Foundation’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Awards in October.
Cox has served as a teacher for 18 years, eight of them at FMSE.
Town/neighborhood: I have lived in San Tan Valley for over 12 years, but I teach at Faith Mather Sossaman in the Queen Creek Unified School District. Sossaman is located in the Meridian community. I am currently in my eighth year in QCUSD.
When and why I moved here: My now husband and I moved to Arizona from Wisconsin in 2007, because I took a job teaching at Mountain Vista K-8 in the Coolidge Unified School District (now part of Florence District). I moved to Arizona for the job without having ever visited the state before. It was quite a leap!
What I like most about living here: I’ve grown to love the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, lakes and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. My favorite part of living here is the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities during those cooler mornings and months. My family enjoys the parks and facilities in Queen Creek, and you can find us on the soccer fields, football fields, trails or at Arizona Athletic Grounds every weekend!
What I do: I’m one of the physical education teachers at Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School, currently in my 18th year teaching in Arizona. I’ve also coached various sports, including running club, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball and flag football.
Professional background highlights: In May of 2007, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science degree in School Health Education and Exercise Sport Science. Teaching. I earned my National Board Certification in 2021, I was a TAP mentor teacher, and I’ve been a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports) coordinator in three districts. My commitment to promoting and advocating physical education has led me to serve as president of the Arizona Health and Physical Education Association. I also enjoy facilitating professional development opportunities focused on team building and “Learning Through Movement.”
What I like most about what I do: I love everything! Every day, I get to witness the joy of learning as students discover new skills, overcome challenges, use their creativity, make connections and develop a love for movement. From planning engaging lessons to the excitement of those “aha” moments to the simple pleasure of sharing a smile or a hug, my job is truly fulfilling. I cherish the relationships I’ve built with my students, colleagues and the community. My job is more than just a profession; it’s a passion that drives me to continue growing and learning alongside my students.
What does being nominated for this category mean to you? This community is very special to me as I have really enjoyed teaching and working in Queen Creek the past eight years. To be recognized is humbling and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a supportive and inspiring school, district and community.
What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? I hope that I help bring positivity and a love for movement for all. We encourage our families to get involved with the students by inviting them to join activities at the school like our annual Jingle jog, running club practices, field day events, Bring Your Hero to PE days, and even some of the students’ “homework.” Also, at FMSE our mission is to “inspire and prepare students to become lifelong learners who will make a positive difference in our community;” we do this by leading by example.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference in Queen Creek? Queen Creek is a special place where there is a small town feel even as it continues to grow. It’s history, with landmarks like Schnepf Farm and the Olive Mill, and the people are what make that difference. Positivity and kindness are contagious and making a difference will help ensure Queen Creek remains a place where families can happily raise their children, our future.
Changes I’d like to see in this area: Less construction! In all honesty, I hope that the community continues to see the value in supporting Queen Creek schools and the fine arts programs/classes and physical education.
My family: My husband, Brandon, and I have three amazing children who attend Queen Creek schools: Breighlyn (13), Briley (11) and Brayton (5). We also have a chocolate lab named Aspen.
My interests and hobbies: Spending time with my family, playing soccer, exploring nature, traveling and cheering on all Wisconsin sports teams!
People who inspired me (and how): My family and friends played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. My older siblings served as role models, demonstrating the importance of hard work and dedication. My parents, particularly my mom’s passion for teaching high school math and my dad’s commitment to his physical health, inspired me to pursue my own interests. Their support allowed me to explore various activities while growing up which ultimately led me into teaching and physical education. My own children and my students now inspire me daily.
My guiding philosophy: I hope to equip my students with the skills, confidence and competence to guide them on their lifelong movement journey. My goal is not for the students to remember me but to be the teacher whose lessons they carry with them forever.
My advice to today’s youth: Get outside, step out of your comfort zone, stay away from social media and video games, spend time in nature and with people, explore. Use your creativity.
The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Lara Cox as the November 2024 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Educator. The Queen Creek Independent along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Mrs. Cox as this month’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.