Described as a woman with unparalleled work ethic who builds exceptional relationships with students, parents, and her peers, fourth grade teacher Aleanna Moore is the Poplar Bluff Middle School 2018-19 Teacher of the Year.
Nominated by fellow fourth grade teacher Katie Warren, Moore has been with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District since 2010.
"(Moore) is an inspiration to all teachers and when I think of 'Teacher of the Year,' she is exactly who I picture," Warren wrote.
According to her letter of recommendation, Warren said Moore "never misses an opportunity to teach." She said last year's Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores are an adequate reflection of the teacher's efforts.
"Last year, Aleanna had no students who scored Below Basic in math on the MAP test. I believe this is a testament to the fact that she never leaves a student behind in her class," Warren explained.
Moore has worked at the Middle School since 2016, after transferring from Oak Grove Elementary with fourth grade teachers from across the district. While at Oak Grove, Moore's classroom was next door to Dana Redwine. The pair have worked together for five years.
Redwine said in her first year of teaching, Moore became an integral part of her support system.
"Aleanna went above and beyond to make me feel like part of my new fourth grade team," Redwine said. "She quickly became my buddy teacher. We discussed curriculum, teaching strategies, data, our school family and our own families."
Redwine said during the transition from Oak Grove to the Middle School, she knew the teacher placed next door to Moore would benefit from her partnership.
Kind, creative, fair and sincere are terms parent Yvette Ward used to describe her daughter's teacher.
"I have been fortunate to be the room mother this year and witness first-hand the climate of the classroom," Ward said. "She never fails to respond to questions or concerns of the parents. She has a special ability in positive discipline procedures that supersedes many of her peers."
Ward said Moore's commitment to growth and to her students' well-being leaves them feeling empowered and highlights her strength as an educator.
"Mrs. Moore is by far one of the most impressive teachers I have known and she continues to amaze me," Ward said. "...and who can overlook her smile that lights up a room?"
Student Kade Huffman penned a letter to the committee explaining why he thinks Moore is a kind, hard working, and patient teacher with a great sense of humor.
"How Mrs. Moore is kind is because if one kid keeps on messing up on the same question, most of the time the other teachers would be like, 'Go and try to answer it on your own,' but Mrs. Moore helps them until they get the problem and she does not lose her temper and go bananas," Huffman wrote.
He said Moore knows when to laugh and will take the entire day, if necessary, to ensure all students are on track.
Moore attended Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Wash., prior to earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 2008 from Central Methodist University in Park Hills, Mo.