Left to right: Annehurst Principal Earl Rahm, Educator of the Year nominee Kelley Moff, WEF representative Jeff Tubaugh, and WEF executive director Colleen Moidu.
The Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) has announced its nomination of Kelley Moff for the Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News Teacher of the Year Award. Education First Credit Union is sponsoring the nomination of this outstanding educator. Mrs. Moff, a 4th grade teacher at Annehurst Elementary, was selected by the WEF’s Teacher of the Month selection committee from a pool of outstanding educators in Westerville City Schools who received the WEF’s Teacher of the Month Award this past year.
“The Westerville Education Foundation is privileged to nominate and recognize Mrs. Moff,” said Colleen Moidu, WEF Executive Director. “Her commitment to educating and nurturing students has an impact far beyond the walls of her own classroom.”
The mother of a first grade student at Annehurst Elementary School remains in Africa and her father must travel often, which leaves the child in the care of older siblings. She had no one to read with at home, so Mrs. Moff would obtain a copy of whatever book the first graders were reading, call the student, and listen to her read. Mrs. Moff also provides food and clothing for the family’s children and takes them to different experiences in the community.
Mrs. Moff also started a Math homework club for all fourth graders, and this year she moved it from her classroom to a nearby apartment complex where she can assist more students.
Her approach to teaching has captured the attention of veteran educators, with one commenting, “This family is truly blessed by the actions of Mrs. Moff. Mrs. Moff has me reflecting on my practice as a teacher. Am I truly aware of the needs of my students outside of school? What more can I do to reach these needs?”
Mrs. Moff’s principal, Earl Rahm, is well aware of her extra efforts, stating, “Kelley Moff is not only an excellent educator, but she is a caring and nurturing person. She creates a classroom that students enjoy entering and feel safe being challenged. Mrs. Moff is truly an educator that encompasses the meaning of caring for all of her students, both in the classroom and out."”
As sponsor of this nomination, Education First Credit Union, provided $150 to support Mrs. Moff’s classroom activities and expenses. Education First Credit Union’s support for Westerville teachers includes WEF’s 2018 Gold Foundation Sponsorship and Presenting Sponsorship for the WEF’s May 5th event, An Artful Affair. Their generous support for the WEF also funds the Teacher of the Month Program and WEF grants to Westerville City School District staff for innovative classroom programs.
“Education First Credit Union is dedicated to supporting educators in our community. It is our honor to partner with the Westerville Education Foundation to recognize excellent teachers like Mrs. Moff in Westerville City Schools. We cannot thank our teachers enough for the contribution they make to our community,” said Michael Wettrich, President and CEO of Education First Credit Union.
“Mrs. Moff embodies what the WEF exists to support; a passion for innovation, problem solving and creativity in education for our students in Westerville City Schools,” said Moidu. “We are so thankful that teachers like Mrs. Moff are teaching our kids.” She can be contacted at ExecutiveDirector@WestervilleEducationFoundation.com.