Mr. Rob Moff, 5th Grade Teacher at Norge Elementary is Teacher of the Month Dec 2015
Mr. Rob Moff, 5th Grade Teacher at Norge Elementary School, accepted his Teacher of the Month for Dec 2015 award from Bob Phipps owner of School Crossing. Voting took place WilliamsburgFamilies.com & School-Crossing.com. Teacher of the Month is a program presented by School Crossing, The Virginia Gazette and WilliamsburgFamilies.com. Learn more about Mr. Moff from the following Q&A; see why he won it!
- How long have you been teaching and teaching at Norge Elementary?
This is my 29th year of teaching for WJCC Public Schools and my 6th year at Norge.
- What drew you to teaching, teaching at Norge Elementary and was there any particular reason you chose to teach 5th grade?
I attended college to become a computer programmer and never intended on being a teacher. During my sophomore year, while I was at college playing soccer, one of my teammates convinced me to take an education class with him. That class changed my life. I immediately saw my life headed in a different direction and suddenly life had significant meaning. I have never looked back.
Norge has been an incredible place to teach. The staff and administration respect each other and always put the children first. I have taught fifth grade for most of my years teaching. That age level is wonderful to work with and presents some interesting challenges to keep you on your toesJ
- Can you mention a project where you were able to engage the kids outside of the classroom or stories that you heard where they brought their learning home?
Each year I try to get my students involved in a school/community project such as nature trails, picnic pavilions, beautification projects, and anything that makes the world a nicer place. One year my students actually raised money, designed, and installed all the landscaping surrounding Kidsburg. It’s wonderful when the families get together and create something beautiful. This year we are in the process of designing an outdoor learning area that will include a theatre, eating areas, bird sanctuary, raised flower beds, and an outdoor classroom. In doing projects like this my students gain a love of learning and giving back to the community.
- What perspective have you gained from being around 10 and 11 year olds all day?
The world would be a much nicer place if we were ruled by 10 and 11 year olds. Their views on life are simple, be kind to others and learn to share. Their perspectives have taught me to concentrate on what is really important and to always stay young in my thinking.
- What do you want your students to be able to do when they leave your classroom – that you know will prepare them for further education and life in general?.
My belief in teaching is to instill in each student a love of themselves. When a child knows they are worthwhile, then the world is theirs to experience and enjoy.
- If you could ask parents to do one thing to help their children’s academic success what would it be?
Get involved in their education and make time to listen to their problems. If they feel that education is important to you then it will be easier for them to see the importance in it themselves.
- Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you and/or your class that you find you post, read, share or just meditate on?
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
8. Are you from Williamsburg? If not, where are you from, what brought you here?
I am originally fromWoburn, Massachusetts (Boston). I was recruited to come teach in Williamsburg and I decided to try it for a year. After my first year of teaching I could not leave my students and I fell in love with Williamsburg. Since then, my entire family has relocated to Williamsburg.
9. Do you have any life lessons that the students in your class have taught you – maybe a short story about kindness, sharing or just a 5th Grader’s perspective?
Each day I am blessed to see remarkable actions taken by my students. Their caring nature towards each other is a constant life lesson for me to aspire towards. This profession has given me 29 incredible years and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be a teacher and work with our most prized possessions, the children.
I think we in WJCC are lucky to have Mr. Moff! Please take a moment and vote for Teacher of the Month!
Voting for next month is going on now – vote for your choice for Teacher of the Month HERE
Want to read all the AWESOME comments that voters submitted with their votes – we have all the comments ever submitted to us HERE
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