Influencer of the Week: Cathy Moore, Whispering Oak Elementary School

Cathy Moore’s official title at Whispering Oak Elementary is instruction coach, but she takes on many other roles if she sees a need. She’s in charge of the school’s National Elementary Honor Society, assists teachers with OCPS’ new Skyward system and leads the school’s canned food drive each year, among other duties. Moore has been with OCPS for 28 years.

What do you love most about your school?

I love that we are a close school family and rally around each other in good times and bad.  Also, that many of the staff members have been here since the school opened. 

What's your favorite part of your job?

I feel I have the best of both worlds. I get to work with students and teachers and watch them both grow. Helping teachers implement new district initiatives and supporting them in their professional development is very gratifying.  I also get to be a lifelong learner as the world of education is ever changing and we cannot be stagnant in our teaching.

What made you want to take on this job? 

This job allows me to work with students, teachers and families in our community and help in many different ways. I wear many different hats which can be challenging at times but is also very rewarding.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

The students at my school motivate me every day!  From the hugs I get in the morning when welcoming students off the bus to watching them grow year after year.  Making sure the teachers have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom helps me to work hard and do my best for them.

What's the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

I have a family who has been at WOE as long as I have with three wonderful children who have gone through our school and one who is still here. They remember and make me feel special at every holiday and my birthday.

What’s your favorite place to eat? 

Tijuana Flats or most Mexican restaurants

If you could take a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

I would love to go to Alaska.  It is not only beautiful but has so many different adventures in one place. You can cruise, hike, take a helicopter ride, and just enjoy nature.

If you could have any superpower, what it be and why?

Teleportation so I could go to California any time I want to see my grandson!

Cats, dogs or some other pet?

I am definitely a dog person. We don’t have one right now but I have 3 grand dogs!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and exercising.

If you were trapped on a deserted island and can only take three items with you, what would you bring and why?

I don’t think I would enjoy being on a deserted island but I would take a picture of my family, the Bible and a flare gun with lots of flares. The picture to keep my family close to me, the Bible to read and keep me sane and a flare gun to get rescued off the island!

What was your favorite book growing up?

Growing up I really enjoyed reading the Encyclopedia Brown books. I liked the adventures and solving the mysteries.

What is your favorite sports team to cheer for? 

We are a soccer family so my favorite sports team is Orlando City Soccer. My husband and son have season tickets so I get to go to the games some times.