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Feature: Rachel Moehle

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"I really enjoy teaching Science! I just love to blow things up! "
Rachel Moehle, 2nd Grade Teacher

A Lincoln County native, and Chandler High School graduate, Rachel Moehle teaches 2nd grade at East Side Elementary.  In January, she will celebrate 10 years of teaching; all of them in Chandler.  


Q.  How would you describe yourself as a teacher?  
A.  I work everyday to be patient yet firm all the while loving each little person for who they are.  It’s not a perfected art, and I’m sure it never will be, but when I can convey that I have expectations that are possible for every student, they understand and want to work to reach these! 

Q.  When did you decide to become a teacher and why? 
A.  I knew at a very young age I wanted to be a teacher.  I was very active in 4-H and when I was ten I made Child Care my main project.  After working with children and babysitting just a short time, I knew I wanted to be an Early Childhood Teacher. 

Q. Give an example of a time when a teacher impacted your life: 
A.  I went to a Christian school until 5th grade.  My mom was my teacher for many of those year.  I remember when I started public school Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Oldham, and Mrs. Lyon were my teachers!  I had already decided that I wanted to be a teacher, but seeing these teachers at work, I knew that the public school was the place for me to invest into the lives of children. 

Q.  What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher? 
A.  I believe the biggest challenge in the classroom is being able to bring sound academics to all levels of learners, while doing the best I can to counsel and provide for the many personal needs the children bring to school each day!

Q.  What do you enjoy most about teaching? 
A.  I thoroughly enjoy each day of hugs, smiles and laughter.  I also enjoy those “light bulb” moments for these little ones, when they understand something in a way that they had not experienced before!  I REALLY enjoy teaching Science!  I just love to blow things up!

Q.  What’s the best thing that has happened (or your favorite memory) since you’ve been teaching?  
A.  There are definitely memories I will remember, maybe not the best things to remember; like when a certain guy stapled his finger standing at my desk, or another with a broken leg on the playground.  But there are several moments through the years when I have students come to me and let me know that I have made a difference, whether in helping them through their home life situations or giving them a firm academic foundation.  This means EVERYTHING as a teacher!  I got to watch my first group (who were in 3rd grade when I began) graduate last year, and next year I look forward to watching my first class from this very room walk across the stage. 


Q.  Tell us about an important achievement or honor you have received, either as a student or teacher:  
A.  Well, I believe my big day is coming, and hopefully soon! I am working toward National Board Certification for Teachers.  This is a big process, and I look forward to seeing it to completion.  Two moments that I believe have made an impact at East Side, were awards of 2 grants for technology.  The first was the Pepsi Grant for $25,000 in which we campaigned like crazy for the community to vote, and in turn we were in the top 15 vote getters and received the $25,000.  The second was the OETT grant for technology in the school.  We worked for 2 years to secure this grant, and I’m fairly certain that when the announcement was made that we received the grant, I can be seen doing cartwheels on the hallway cameras!

Rachel and her husband Ryan have three children: Jacob 12, Christian 9, and Reagan 5. 
With three kids, and an active duty military spouse there is little free time at the Moehle household, but Rachel enjoys spending every extra moment with her family.  And while they are sleeping, she's busy scouring the internet for more ideas and resources for Chandler schools!