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MRS. MOORE: REGIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
- The Anchor; Editors
- Nov 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Iowa Department of Education has named Clear Creek Amana High School teacher Marissa Moore as one of nine educators selected as 2026 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year.
Origins
With the Department of Education, Mrs. Moore confided where her aspirations to become a teacher originated - when she was in the classroom as a kid herself: “My first memory of wanting to be a teacher comes in the form of a semi-embarrassing video from 2nd grade. With missing teeth, a bad haircut, and a smile with every word - I uttered the sentence, “My name is Marissa and when I grow up I want to be a teacher.”
She went on to explain: “Looking back, I had no idea what that meant or what my life would look like, but what I did know was that I had spent the first three years of my educational journey being fully loved by my teachers.” “Outside of my K-12 experience, graduate school is one of my most cherished school memories. It was during this time that I had my ‘ah-ha’ moment about my future. I was set to graduate with my bachelors degree, but I was feeling a little lost. At some point during college, I clung to a narrative that ‘I was too smart to be a teacher’ and I found myself on a journey that didn’t involve teaching...During this moment, is where I had my first interaction with one of the program’s founders, Dr. Sheila Conway. I’m not sure if Dr. Conway remembers this, but after a lesson she said, ‘I’m not sure how you thought you could be anything but a teacher’...Dr. Conway is a professor who not only changed how I saw myself, but also changed how I viewed the world and public education.”
Philosophy
In a newspaper artifact that Moore shared with the Department of Education she said, “In the world of education, accommodations and differentiation are two buzzwords that can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming...I feel incredibly fortunate that when I first learned about how to support a variety of learners in my classroom it just made sense. Providing accommodations (and even modifications) became part of the classroom routine. Accommodations in my classroom are as second nature as pushing in a chair. The same can be said for differentiation. When designing lessons and creating materials, the ability to plan for all learners in my classroom is at the center of each PLC conversation and department meeting.“
”But for whatever reason, when I was asked to teach our Newspaper class, I just couldn’t figure it out. My first year teaching that class was quite literally a disaster. It was so bad that we didn’t print a newspaper all year. I struggled to find a place for accommodations and differentiation in a project-based class like Newspaper, and my students struggled right along with me.” However, “Through constant reflection, I was reminded that not everyone has to write an article the same way. Not everyone has to be a photographer, and not everyone has to love design. The rediscovery of accommodations and differentiation gave my students access to the highest level of success in a Newspaper class. During my second and third year teaching the class, students’ individual abilities were finally able to shine and we ended up earning the distinction of “Top 15 IHSPA All-Iowa News Team Finalist.” And as the 2025 school year quickly approaches, my staff is already planning, preparing, and hoping for a third nomination.” “My hope is that educators get the opportunity to reflect on their teaching practices. I dream of a system where teachers engage in meaningful professional learning and in turn feel equipped to meet the needs of all of their students.”
“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Moore for this well-deserved recognition,” said Clear Creek Amana High School Principal Tom Daniel. “Her dedication to students, her commitment to excellence in teaching, and her involvement in school leadership reflect the very best of Clear Creek Amana.”
The Anchor staff extends this sentiment - We can only express how proud we are and our gratitude of having Mrs. Moore not only as an advisor, but as a teacher. CCA and The Anchor send lots of love.
Thank You’s
Mrs. Moore holds many t dear to her heart, and in that, she thanks many in her life that lead her to becoming the Regional Teacher of the Year: “...to my teachers at Conway Elementary, thank you. Thank you for everything.” “Dr. Conway, thank you is not enough.” “Mrs. Albert, thank you for loving me beyond the walls of your classroom.”
