Susan Moore, a sixth-grade teacher at Piñon Hills Elementary and Douglas County School District Teacher of the Year for 2006, has earned the National Education Association's I CAN Learn award for teaching excellence, and has been nominated for the prestigious member benefits award.
"These extraordinary teachers challenge students and encourage them to reach their full potential," said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association. "They represent the vast number of educators who go to school each morning dedicated to making great public schools for every child."
The association accepts one nomination from each state for the national award. Moore was nominated by the Nevada State Education Association. Five teachers will be selected as finalists, each receiving $10,000, and the winner of the award will receive an additional $25,000. The nominees will be honored and the winner announced on Feb. 8 in Washington D.C.
"This is the most amazing thing that has happened to me outside of having my kids," said Moore, who's been teaching for 28 years. "They are going to pay for my trip to Washington D.C."
Moore said her teaching style emphasizes organization, fairness, encouragement and a strong sense of humor.
"I'm not the kind of person that likes to be in the spotlight," she said. "But teachers need to be recognized for their hard work."
