Families honor teacher
For 33 years, Pat Moen has welcomed nervous 5-year-olds to kindergarten and reassured their anxious parents. At Grant, Bemiss and most recently Woodridge Elementary, she’s been a warm introduction to school for local families.
When she announced her retirement earlier this year, parents at Woodridge wanted to honor her in a special way. On June 10, a large crowd gathered at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to recognize Moen’s years of dedication to the youngest students.
Parent Amy Lienweber said, “Mrs. Moen envelopes her students with open arms and a loving heart.”
“She was born to be a kindergarten teacher. It’s definitely her calling,” fellow teacher Deban Lothspeich said.
Much has changed since Moen, 56, began teaching in 1973. Instead of dusty chalkboards, she uses dry erase white boards. She has three computers in her classroom, unthinkable 33 years ago.
Her students enter school more prepared academically than their parents did. Most are already printing their names and know their ABCs. They’re also more technically savvy than many of their teachers. But some things never change.
“The kids are so excited,” Moen said. “They’re like little sponges.”
She loves the innocence and inquisitiveness of 5-year-olds. “They have an important need to discover things on their own.”
Woodridge Principal Brian Melody said Moen has a talent for welcoming parents into her classroom, making them feel included and involved in their children’s education. Every day she has parent volunteers helping out.
“Mrs. Moen is the best kindergarten teacher in the world,” he said.
Moen taught four of Keryn Millsap’s children.
“She recognizes each child’s uniqueness and gives the kids a true love for school. What a great gift,” she said.
Former student Samantha Millsap, now 13, said, “Mrs. Moen still checks up on me. It makes me feel awesome that she remembers me.”
Moen wanted to be a kindergarten teacher since she was 10 years old.
“It’s been my passion,” she said. “I got to live my dream. I’m going to miss the kids and their families. They’ve embraced me and made me feel so loved.”
The one thing she won’t miss is the noise. A kindergarten classroom is never quiet, and the kids are rarely still. “I’m pretty tired by the end of the day,” she said.
A picture of Moen’s husband and daughter posing with Mickey Mouse hangs on her classroom door. Moen is known to love all things Disney. For the past few months a group of parent volunteers collected donations from current and former students and their families for a special gift. At her retirement party Moen was presented with a check for more than $1,900.
So what is Pat Moen going to do after teaching more than 1,500 kindergarteners in 33 years? Thanks to the generosity of the families she has touched, she can say, “I’m going to Disneyland!”