Congratulations to Debra Moore, the 826 Valencia teacher of the month for April. Ms. Moore is a first grade teacher at Commodore Sloat Elementary, where she has been energetically helping children learn for many years. With a background in special education, Ms. Moore is astoundingly caring, and her creative teaching style motivates her students in all of their endeavors.

With a strong emphasis on acceptance, Ms. Moore creates more of a community hub than a classroom. Each one of her classes chooses a group name at the beginning of every academic year. Ms. Moore has implemented a class buddy system so that her students will get to interact with all of their fellow classmates, and subsequently work towards breaking down exclusion and student alienation. Ms. Moore makes sure that each of her students understands the importance of trust, friendship and social responsibility. By creating an atmosphere in which her students can be themselves she teaches not only academics but also confidence.

However, Ms. Moore does even more than teach first graders. Going above and beyond the call of duty, she opens up her classroom as a master teacher, working with individuals who hope to become educators themselves. With a litany of qualifications and ideals she guides those who wish to learn her trade, helping to create strong teachers for the future.

No matter the age of her student, Ms. Moore’s influence is as lasting as it is positive. With a commitment to individuality, cooperation, and excellence, Ms. Moore creates a base for each of her students to rely for years to come. Ms. Moore’s students are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher, and we are all fortunate to have her in our community!