Best and Brightest: Riley Crook

Riley Crook

Director of Middle School

The Cooper School

Charleston

Age 32

My grandmother was the secretary of my elementary school, which meant afternoons and summer days exploring an empty building. Some days, I was lucky enough to go into "the vault." It smelled like sharpened pencils and fresh erasers and it held all the secrets – or so I thought at 11 years old. The vault just might be the reason I went into education; being behind the scenes energized me. Now, 11 years into my career, I have taught high school and middle school math, served as a dean of students, and landed in a dream position as the director of Middle School at The Cooper School. I saw the impact my grandmother had on students and families by making them feel seen and valued. We could barely make it out of the grocery store without being stopped by families that wanted to tell her that. I feel lucky I get to do the same, with her example as my guiding compass. Making people feel seen and heard is the greatest gift she taught me, and I get to carry it forward every day.

Favorite Quote and Why: My favorite quote is from one of my favorite characters (Jane Adler, played by Meryl Streep) from one my favorite moves ("It's Complicated"), and she says, "Fun is not overrated." I keep coming back to this thought. Fun is not overrated in a stellar lesson, fun is not overrated in a leadership quality, fun is not overrated in sportsmanship. We all deserve a bit of lightness in this world – and valuing fun doesn't make you less serious; it makes you human.

Definition of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is one that can be both on the dance floor and on the balcony. They know what it's like in the trenches – they often meet their team there. They also have a vision of what is good for the whole ecosystem, because they take time to dig in and understand. This type of leadership doesn't demand respect, it earns it. It creates relationships rooted in empathy, humility, and trust.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: I would tell my 18-year-old self to just keep saying yes. Keep going, girl. There will be opportunities that create connections beyond your wildest dreams – keep showing up as your very best, say yes to things that fall into your lap, and don't forget to have fun.