SHE’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR -- FIVE TIMES OVER
By SCOTT QUEEN
Amy Trautmann-Moore ’98 could very well be one of the most decorated teachers in the country. She was selected as Teacher of the Year this past year at her school – Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School – in Baton-Rouge, La., the same year she was recognized as an Outstanding Educator by Exxon Mobile. She was also teacher of the year in Natchitoches, La., Bossier, La., Tyler, Texas, and even in Sedalia, when she started her teaching career in education. Every stop along the way, she digs deep, learns what’s new, and figures out what’s best for students. “I grow every time we move,” she said, referring to the coaching career of her husband, Jeff Moore, also an MVC alum. “It’s important not to get stuck and to adapt and immerse yourself in the next wonderful environment with new and knowledgeable people.” Moore said one of her guiding philosophies in her career has been to have a growth mindset, and the other is simply open communication. “It’s about having a plan when you hit the wall and your mind is telling you ‘no,’” she said. “And as far as communication goes, all of my kids’ parents have my cell number. Home and school are intertwined…they can stop in, call me, or text me. When everyone is working together, it all works so much better.” Moore double majored in education and special education while at Missouri Valley. She also met her future husband, Jeff, in Marshall.
“Missouri Valley prepared me so well,” she said. “I was totally ready to become a teacher. And I’m so grateful for the faculty and the great adjuncts. I specifically remember Earl Wellborn and Dennis Ehlert channeling me toward that additional degree in special education. It was definitely the right thing to do.” Amy and her Missouri Valley roommate, Stephanie Meisenheimer-Jackson both studied education. “We played basketball together our freshman year,” she said. “After that I went on to play just volleyball and Stephanie played just softball. Stephanie went on to become an amazing principal in the Sedalia School District.” She said she and Jeff had mutual friends and met at the gym, and eventually, went on a date. They ended up being around each other quite a bit because of their friends, and eventually became good friends themselves. “When he got a job in Quincy, we stayed in touch,” she said. “Then, my senior year we started dating.” In 2000, they were married. And their carousel of adventures around the country got started. Jeff is now a basketball coach at LSU. Amy and Jeff have two children, Gracie, a senior in high school, and Caige, a 7th grader. Gracie will follow in her mom’s footsteps and will play college volleyball next fall at Blinn College in Texas. Caige is an avid football and baseball player.
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