Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series on north Okaloosa County Teachers of the Year.
CRESTVIEW — Tulsa Moore is quite a multi-tasker: She teaches computer-based curriculum at Shoal River Middle School and is the school's media specialist, the school's webmaster, and tackles other duties as needed.
"I do whatever the school needs me to," she said.
Moore spends one period in the school's media center, cataloging or organizing bookshelves.
"What I enjoy the most is talking to students about books and helping them pick out a book they would enjoy," she said.
Moore teaches several levels of IT education.
"The way we divide our classes here is year one, year two and year three," she said. The first year is an introduction to computers. The second year helps students earn high school certifications in learning to use Microsoft programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The third year involves web design, which students can use for high school credit.
Recently, Moore, an Okaloosa County teacher since 1993, was named the school’s Teacher of the Year.
"I would have been just as happy for any other teacher (if he or she won) because I know how hard everybody works," she said.
She previously earned the title in the 1998-99 school year, when she taught science at Richbourg Middle School.
"She is ultra professional," Principal Paul Whiddon said. "She is such a dynamic teacher.”
Several students said they enjoy her class.
"She will work with students individually if they need help," Isaac Suendermann, 13, said. "Overall, she is just very caring."
Hannah Nelson, 14, said she has found the IT classes to be beneficial.
"She has given me a lot more opportunities … I have learned how to help people in the community with their computers and their electronics just by attending her class," Nelson said.
Sachit Sharma, 13, enjoyed Moore's class so much that he became her teacher's aide.
"Mrs. Moore is a wonderful teacher," Sharma said. "She does a wonderful job explaining to students what works best for them."
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shoal River teacher takes on several tasks for school