JAMES R. COCHRAN JAMES R. COCHRAN is being inducted for his long career as a teacher in the RCSD, his dedication to going beyond “just” teaching, and his community service. Jim is a class of 1966 alumnus of Van Rensselaer High School and holds a Master’s degree from Siena College. He began teaching in 1971, the first year at the “new” school, Rensselaer Jr-Sr High School. He taught high school English and was a “moral compass” for his students, always there to listen, guide, and advise. He brought theater classes and productions back to the program, he coached girls’ basketball and tennis and was advisor to Key Club and National Honor Society. With Key Club, he lead several Christmas city-wide food drives. He had two year-books dedicated to him as a testimony to the appreciation the students had for his devotion and professionalism. He was also made an honorary life-member of the PTA. Well respected by his fellow teachers, staff and administrators, he served as a valued negotiator for the Rensselaer Teachers’ Association for many years. Jim has also volunteered at Equinox at Thanksgiving, runs for charity fund-raises and helps many elderly neighbors with housekeeping and cores. Jim dedicated 32 yrs to teaching.