Vanessa Moran

I began my teaching career just a few weeks after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay in 2007. My first position was as a 1st grade teacher in a small, rural district that is one of the poorest communities in the state, stricken by unemployment and homelessness after a local mill, the only large job source, closed several years back. I learned many things that year that helped to shape by teaching style.

My teaching style is very hands-on and focused around technology. I believe we need to prepare kids for their future, not our past. With that said, I do not believe technology can replace a skilled teacher and that educators play an essential role is shaping young minds. To view an interview with me from the 2012 Golden Apple Award honors, please visit the following website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALCUenDB7KA

I was awarded the 2011 Golden Apple Award from the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Golden Apple Awards program improves community awareness of the quality of education in the Greater Green Bay area by recognizing high standards of professionalism, leadership and innovation in teaching with the Golden Apple Awards. Seven recipients (individuals and/or teams) are selected annually through a multi-level screening of anonymous applications and personal interviews. Selection criteria are based on the National Board of Professional Teaching standards, which identify the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions expected of experienced, quality teachers. The selection process focuses on elements such as: commitment to student learning; assessment of and use of tools to advance student progress; efforts to stimulate student interest in learning

I knew I wanted to be an educator since the 1st grade. My teacher, Mrs. Bonnie Schwenke, had a classroom presence like none other and made me truly want to come to school each day. I learned so many new things but most importantly, she taught me to believe in myself. I was a very shy, introverted little girl, but after that year in her classroom, I really came out of my shell and began to look at the world around me differently. I was honored to be able to student teach in her classroom the year before she retired from education.

I have been married for 9 years to my best friend, Corey. We met when I was just 14 years old on the soccer field and our relationship continue to develop and grow from there. We were not "high school sweethearts" as the young age may imply. Rather, we remained the closest of friends until I was in college and then began dating. He proposed less than a year in the soccer field where we met and the rest is history. We now have a beautiful 2 year old girl named Valerie and are hoping to expand our family soon.