Zane Cozad, known simply as “Z” to many, is the engine of connection at Westside High School.while his formal title places him in the classroom, his real impact is felt in the lives of every student like freshman  peer model Evelyn Proctor found a crucial sense of belonging thanks to his efforts with the unified program. 

Freshman Evelyn Proctor, reflecting on the environment Cozad has fostered, describes the unified community as a truly unique refuge for the student body. 

“Unified is a place to include everyone a home away from home. It is to make sure everyone can get the help and love they need and deserve without feeling judged or disappointed,”Proctor said.   

This atmosphere of  acceptance is a direct result of Z’s heartfelt philosophy, which prioritizes the individual’s emotional well-being above all else. He believes every win, no matter how small, is deeply meaningful. 

“I would say the most rewarding thing I get from the help i put out is watching my students and peers overcome a hurdle,” Cozad said.

The personal touch that Mr.Cozad brings to his teaching- the effort to understand each student’s narrative- is what sets him apart from others in the school system. For Proctor, this makes a palpable difference in their daily lives.

“Z shows love and understanding for each person who walks into his classroom. He wants to know how he can help and show support and that’s what makes him a different teacher than most,” Proctor said. 

Mr.Cozad is a consistent radio of love, constantly making the effort to make people feel extra adored on their one day of the year, and reaching out to invite anyone around the school to any and all unified events. Cozad wants everyone to have a family, no matter if they have one at home or not. Cozad sees his primary role not as an instructor, but as a facilitator of personal growth, constantly seeking out and celebrating those, quiet defining moments of triumph. He explains that witnessing success is the most rewarding part of his job. 

“I really just enjoy seeing any student feel their own success, that’s probably the biggest thing and then interacting and getting to know so many people from different backgrounds is just really quite awesome,” Cozad said. 

This powerful environment of acceptance is rooted in his foundational belief that all students, regardless of circumstance, deserve to have high standards applied to them. Z argues for universal belief in student potential. 

“We should have similar expectations, that are set at a high level for all people, that’s important,” Cozad said. 

His emphasis on genuine, lasting connections extends beyond the academics and into how students are treated every day. Cozad stresses the importance of authentic, intentional engagement with others. 

“People don’t remember what you say but instead how you make them feel, so i would say treat others with intention,” Cozad said. 

Proctor explains that Cozad’s investment in their success has changed her family’s entire outlook on education and their school experience. 

“My family is so thankful to find someone like Z. He’s improved the way my family views things and has given me and my sister a reason to look forward to going to school everyday,” Proctor said.  

Recognizing that this level of emotional output can be draining, Cozad is open about the need to protect his own energy so he can continue to protect his own energy so he can continue pouring into his students. He relies on personal time for restoration. 

“I really recharge my battery aside from school, and intentional thinking about school, but also I think it’s important to reach or build that battery backup by knowing that you are making a difference even if it’s just one person,” Cozad said. 

His ultimate guiding principle for newcomers in the teaching field  is a commitment to depth over volume. Ensuring that every student feels truly seen and supported. Z offers this single, crucial piece of advice to all teachers. 

“Try to remember their name, try to remember what they tell you, try to remember what people care about, because if you care about a little piece of them and they see or feel that from you, and they feel its genuine, then it’s somebody in their life that they know they can count on,” Cozad said.