Class Act Teacher of the Month: St. James Catholic Elementary’s Mandy Moran
Kindergarten is such a formative time in a child’s life. A time where a great teacher can help set the stage for continued success in school and life.
For our Class Act this month, Grant Chighizola takes us to St. James Catholic Elementary in Gulfport where one kindergarten teacher there makes sure her students know they are valued and loved each and every day.
Shapes, numbers, math, the alphabet. While these are all important subjects in the life of a kindergartener, one Gulfport teacher is helping her students learn much more than just letters and numbers. “We’re learning how to build relationships, we’re learning how to button our clothes, we’re learning how to problem solve. I mean there are so many more things other than just academics.”
Mandy Moran is in her 21st year of educating young minds and she says one of the best things about being a teacher is watching her students grow up over the years. “Once they enter this room, they’re my babies forever, and I tell them all the time, I said, you may not be a baby like this, but you’re always going to be my baby. I have three children of my own, but I also have 24 here.”
Ms. Moran’s teaching philosophy is simple, finding creative ways to reach each student’s unique learning style. “We’re all different. We’ve got to be creative in teaching. We cannot continue to do the same thing.”
Ms. Moran says each day she’s with her students brings her new opportunities for growth and lots of fun. “I love what I do. It’s not a job for me. It’s really a passion, every day I get up in the morning, and I can’t wait to see what we’re going to do today.
If you would like to nominate a deserving South Mississippi teacher, just click here!
