Dave Cooper retired in June, 2006 from 34 years as a teacher and administrator in Modesto City Schools. He received his B.A. from San Francisco State University and an M.A. in education and school administration from California State University - Stanislaus. Dave began his career as a science teacher at Mark Twain Junior High School in 1971. He became an Assistant Principal at Mark Twain, then an Assistant Principal at Beyer High School. He then spent 9 years as the Principal of Modesto High School, followed by 8 years as the district's Director of Secondary Education Dave also served as an adjunct professor at Chapman University for 13 years.

Dave has been active in community theater, serving as the board vice-president for Modesto Performing Arts and as a cast member in 7 productions. He served as an instructor and instructor trainer in C.P.R. with the American Heart Association. He has also been involved with numerous district/community education committees.

Dave lives in Modesto with his wife Suzanne. They have two children - Amy, an English teacher at Laguna Beach High School, and Stefan, a professional trumpet player in Malmo, Sweden. They also have two grandchildren, Ryan and Catarina.