Lisa Whiteley, Three Rivers Elementary School

“Kelly believes in the power of student agency. Learners are actively involved in decision-making, think critically, and take ownership of their education.”

-Lisa Whiteley

Kelly Moorman is a teacher who embodies the essence of excellence in education. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing the holistic development of her students and continuously refining her teaching methods has left an indelible mark on countless young lives. Kelly's dedication to the art of teaching is a testament to her belief in the power of education to transform lives.

One of Kelly's standout qualities is her ability to create an environment that supports the whole child. Walking into her classroom is stepping into a world where all students are valued for who they are. With colorful decorations, cozy reading corners, and an inviting atmosphere, Kelly's classroom is a place where children feel safe to explore, learn, and express themselves fully. She understands that a child's emotional well-being is the foundation for academic growth.

Furthermore, Kelly excels in designing learning experiences that foster mastery. Her lessons are meticulously planned, with clear learning targets that are communicated effectively to her students. Whether teaching math, science, or literature, Kelly ensures that her students know precisely what they are expected to learn and accomplish. This clarity empowers her students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Checking for understanding is an art, and Kelly is a master at it. She uses various formative assessment techniques to gauge her students' comprehension during daily lessons. Her keen observation skills and empathetic approach enable her to identify struggling students early on and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Kelly doesn't just teach; she tailors her teaching to the unique needs of each child.

In an era of data-driven instruction, Kelly’s ability to use data as a tool for student growth stands out. She carefully analyzes assessment results and uses them to evaluate her teaching and to guide her students' progress. With data in hand, she collaborates with students to set achievable goals and tracks their progress together, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility in her learners.

Models, critique, and descriptive feedback are integral to Kelly's teaching methodology. She encourages her students to analyze exemplary work, identify areas for improvement, and provide constructive feedback to one another. This approach enhances their critical thinking skills and creates a culture of collaboration and progress within the classroom.

Perhaps one of Kelly's most remarkable qualities is her ability to design student-centered learning experiences. She believes in the power of student agency. Learners are actively involved in decision-making, think critically, and take ownership of their education. Her classroom is a dynamic space where students engage in projects, discussions, and hands-on activities that ignite their curiosity and passion for learning.

Finally, Kelly ensures that every milestone, big or small, is celebrated and learning is demonstrated meaningfully. From publishing their creative writing to showcasing science experiments at open houses, her students are given ample opportunities to shine. These celebrations boost their confidence and reinforce the idea that learning is a lifelong journey to be treasured.

Kelly’s dedication to creating a nurturing learning environment, setting clear learning targets, checking for understanding, using data, promoting student agency, and celebrating learning is exceptional. Her impact on students goes far beyond the classroom; it lays the foundation for their future success as lifelong learners.

It is only fitting that we honor Kelly Moorman for her outstanding contributions to education, for she exemplifies what it truly means to be an excellent teacher.

Teachers Honor Teachers

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation launched a new program last fall inviting teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.

In the above post, Lisa Whiteley expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Kelly Moorman. Thank you to both educators for your dedication to students and for taking the time to showcase what it means to deliver challenging, innovative, and student-centered lessons that result in powerful and deep learning.

Through the Teachers Honor Teachers Program, The Foundation is seeking Ohio public school teachers to share great things about a teaching colleague in an Ohio public school that ensures deep learning for students. If we choose to post your story, we will award $500 toward that teacher's classroom for their great work and $500 toward your classroom for honoring their excellence. Apply here.