Clark High School 2026

Sarah Moore

Clark High School - Department Head – Special Education, Grades 9-10
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of education centers around ensuring that my students feel safe, welcome, and valued as members of the classroom community. I believe that each student has unique strengths and is capable of achieving their goals and dreams.

When my journey as an educator began, I was a paraprofessional in ISS and was learning the ropes of what it meant to work in education. I had the unique opportunity to teach students outside of the traditional classroom setting. When students were in ISS, I reinforced concepts learned in Algebra and Geography, but I also ensured that we modeled citizenship, respect, and honesty in the ISS classroom. During that first year, one of the most important lessons I learned was about building relationships with students. Getting to know my students’ backgrounds, interests, and strengths helped me build rapport with my students and create a safe and collaborative classroom environment.

When an opportunity arose for me to become a special education teacher, I was excited to take on this new challenge. Over the years, I’ve taught students who were 18+ and were preparing for life after high school, students who were learning how to plot points on a coordinate plane, and students who were researching how to receive accommodations in college. I think back to the time one of my students mastered matching and folding socks after diligently learning and practicing the skill in class – her smile when she showed me a perfectly put together pair of socks she had just folded is something I’ll always remember. Seeing the student who merely grunted upon entering my math classroom on the first day of school, but ended the year asking if she could take my class again next year, is another moment that I think back to when I am asked about my “why”. I believe that by fostering a student’s strengths and treating him or her with kindness, patience, and respect, a student can reach their full potential. It has been incredibly rewarding to help students with a wide range of abilities throughout their high school journey.

As a department chair, I support all students on our campus who receive special education services. I aim to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed in the next chapter of their lives and that their families have the tools they need to support their students’ future. In addition to serving students, I strive to provide the teachers on my team with the knowledge and resources they need to be successful in special education. I think back to my first few years in special education and hope that I can help the teachers on my team grow in the same way that my first team leaders and department chairs helped me grow.

I would like to thank my wonderful colleagues at Clark for nominating me as Teacher of the Year. It is an honor to be recognized by my peers and to work alongside such dedicated educators.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I recommend Sarah Moore, Special Education Department Head, for the Clark High School Teacher of the Year award. Through the collective voices of her colleagues, it is clear that Sarah is not just an educator; she is the "backbone" of our school and a "rockstar" who embodies the very best of the teaching profession.

This year, Sarah stepped into the role of Department Head with remarkable grace. She has embraced every challenge of this leadership position, providing steady, reliable guidance to her team. Her colleagues frequently describe her as "exceptionally stable" and "responsive," noting that she possesses a "zen-like aura" capable of easing the most frazzled nerves during high-pressure situations. Whether she is navigating complex scheduling or ensuring every teacher has the support they need, Sarah remains a calm, problem-solving force who keeps the department running seamlessly.

At the heart of Sarah's work is an unwavering commitment to her students. She consistently puts their needs first, serving as a fierce advocate who empowers them to reach their full potential. Her dedication is visible in:

Expertise in Compliance: Sarah is a "knowledge bank" for all things Special Education, providing invaluable insight into IEPs, ARDs, and documentation protocols.

Caring Professionalism: Her actions speak louder than words; she tackles every task with a "can-do spirit" and a positive attitude that inspires everyone around her.

Student-Centered Action: She concerns herself with every aspect of the department to ensure that no student or staff member falls through the cracks.

Sarah's impact extends far beyond her own classroom. She is a dedicated mentor who answers "a million questions every day" with patience and kindness. From veteran teachers to those surviving their first semester, the staff at Clark High School rely on Sarah as a vital resource. She is fair, consistent, and remarkably flexible in her collaborations with administrators, counselors, and general education teachers. As one colleague poignantly shared, "She makes us feel extremely supported." Sarah Moore represents everything a leader and educator should be. She is a special person whose heart, knowledge, and hard work make her an indispensable asset to Clark High School. She does not just meet the standards of Teacher of the Year; she elevates them.

For her passion, her expertise, and her tireless service to our students and staff, Sarah Moore is profoundly deserving of this recognition.

Sincerely,

Gregory Pierce
Principal
Clark High School