Golden Apple Award: Kelli Ann Moore

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Kelli Ann Moore teaches 3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary in Lovington Municipal Schools. As the Math Leader for the school, many credit her with Jefferson Elementary’s success in making Adequate Yearly Progress in student achievement for the last two years.

Selection team members described Moore’s classroom as a “beehive” of activity, one in which children take pride in their learning. Her math lesson on structural strength of three-dimensional shapes integrated the social studies lesson on community, as she engaged her students in a discussion of the importance of structural strength in construction of buildings.

According to one student’s “letter of recommendation” for Moore, “I love her just like family,” while another writes that hers is the “best class of the Enchanted State of New Mexico.”

“I have always appreciated the potential that resides deep within every one of my students," said Moore. "I have tried to showcase their unique talents in a way that leaves them believing in themselves and believing in their future. Even after a school year ends, my students come back into my life in one way or another. They show up at my door, they write me letters, they talk my ear off at ballgames. They’re eager to share the important events in their life because they know their life events are important to me. I love them. I see these return visits as an unspoken appreciation that indicates my teaching methods have made a difference in their life. I’m very, very grateful that they keep me informed of their accomplishments.”