ORANGE, CA (May 1, 2019) — De'Anna Moore, Crescent Elementary School fourth grade teacher, was named as one of six 2020 Orange County Teachers of the Year by Al Mijares, county superintendent of schools.

Moore began her teaching career at Crescent 16 years ago. She compares her teaching to magicians who engage crowds with what they pull out of a hat. She pulls instructional strategies, project-based learning, technology, as well as her enthusiasm, passion and humor to engage students in learning content. When students plead to continue an activity or choose to extend their learning - she says, "It's magic!"

Moore has always believed that part of her role as an educator is to help students become  responsible citizens. Academics are important, but so is social-emotional growth. That's why she works to instill in her students a sense of moral obligation to make the
world a better place - starting in her classroom. Moore says, “My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child can learn and thrive, and I work to facilitate a classroom community for TEAM 602 that is student-centered, nurturing, yet rigorous and standards-based so that every student is challenged to achieve and succeed.”

"Mrs. Moore is an outstanding and dedicated educator who devotes many hours to providing multi-step lessons with a variety of hands-on materials and technologies," stated Principal Shele Tamaki. "She does everything she can to help students master abstract concepts with deeper understanding. She truly believes every child can learn, and failure is not an option!"

The Orange County Teacher of the Year recognition qualifies De’Anna Moore to compete for California State Teacher of the Year. OUSD teachers who have been recognized as Orange County Teachers of the Year and were awarded California Teacher of the Year are Erin Rosselli in 2015 and Linda Horist in 2014.

The 2020 Orange County Teachers of the Year will be honored at a gala to be held November 1, 2019 at the Disneyland Hotel.