LaPlace – Holly Moore, a reading teacher at John L. Ory Magnet School, has achieved National Board Certification, which is one of the most accomplished designations for education professionals.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is a voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognizeand retain accomplished teachers. Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Moore completed the requirements in one year.

“I have always thought about pursuing national board certification, but the time never seemed right. I attended an information session in the spring of 2008 and decided to go for it. I knew it would be hard, and that my family and friends would have to sacrifice, but it was worth it,” Moore said.

“This process has helped me analyze and reflect on my teaching, as well as given me opportunities to learn ways to improve. I have learned to always be aware of what I am teaching, why I am teaching it, and what methods I am using to teach,” Moore said. “I am more aware of my students’ strengths and weaknesses and how I can better adjust my teaching to suit their needs.”

Moore is the Response-to-Intervention Teacher at John L. Ory Magnet, where she instructs small groups of students to elevate their reading skills. She typically works with those students in grades K-4 who are struggling to keep pace with their peers.

Moore has taught in the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System for the past 16 years, including 12 years at Ory Magnet.

Moore’s earned her certification in the area of Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. She also holds a Master’s of Education degree as a reading specialist.

“I knew teaching is what I always wanted to do. I still have the strong desire to do the job that I do,” Moore said. “I love my profession.”