Neely Moore.

Teacher Name: Neely Moore

School: Westgate High School

Position: Principal

Q: How long have you been an educator or a staff member within education?

A: I have completed 21 years all at Westgate High School.

Q:What positions have you held? For how long?

A:

Teacher (August 2001 — December 2008)

Assistant Principal (January 2009 — May 2012)

Principal (July 2012 — present)

Q: What is/was your favorite position as an educator?

A: Teacher — Even as an administrator, I have the opportunity to teach, more so through professional development of teachers than through a traditional classroom with students.

Q: What changes have you noticed from your first year to now?

A: So much has changed yet much has stayed the same!

Q: What are your future plans (retirement, promotion, etc.)?

A: I have 9 years left until 30 years, and I will happily finish out my career at Westgate. I do not ever discount that opportunities may become available that I didn’t plan for, so we’ll see!

Q: What advice would you give to a new teacher or to anyone thinking about entering the world of education?

A: Do it! It is a tough job, but it is the most rewarding job you will ever have. Also, you have to give it a couple of years. The first year is especially hard. Don’t give up!

Q: What is a moment from your career that you’ll never forget?

A: May 22, 2002 — Westgate High School’s first graduation. After a tough first year, this is the day I realized I wanted to keep doing it. I saw some of the students I taught walk across that stage, and I knew this is what I was meant to do.