Decorated with honors during her time at Brownwood ISD, Susan Mora is preparing for her 20th school year as an educator and is grateful for the recognition she’s received and the lives she’s been able to influence.
A former BISD Spotlight Teacher and the Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Distinguished Teacher of the Year for Life Academics at Northwest Elementary in the 2023-24 school year, Mora said of the accolades, “It’s an honor each time to be recognized. I am surrounded by gifted colleagues that continue to inspire and challenge me professionally. They say if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. I get to dance, sing, play and learn daily with precious children. What is there not to love? I’m truly fulfilled and humbled.”
Mora’s teaching career began in Rockport.
“In Rockport, I was a Life Skills teacher for students in kindergarten through third grade,” Mora said. “I taught ECSE for my first two years in Brownwood and then transitioned into teaching Pre-K Inclusion for the past two years. I am very excited to continue in this role for this coming school year.”
Mora’s passion for teaching developed when she was still a student herself.
“Well, I guess I started my career in the late 1960s underneath my parents’ large pear tree,” Mora said. “I had paper, crayons, and pens ready to go for all the neighborhood kids. I even gave them homework! I hoped that, by becoming a teacher, I could instill a love of life-long learning. Education empowers children with knowledge and skills that will help them become productive adults, and I have always wanted to be a part of that incredible process. I want my students to know that they are in a safe, welcoming environment, and that it is okay to make mistakes. We begin our day with: ‘You are smart. You are beautiful. You are safe. You are loved. You are strong and you are brave, and I am so happy that you are here at school today.’ It is a blessing to spend every day with these precious children, and it all started underneath a pear tree.”
Elementary-aged children is where Mora found her calling.
“I teach all subjects since I am with little humans,” Mora said. “I have always worked with elementary-aged children. I love the excitement, joy, and enthusiasm they bring every day to school! Our young kiddos truly are amazing! Experiencing things through their eyes never gets old, and I am as excited to be there as they are.”
Mora spoke of several educators who made an impact on her life and helped guide her toward her chosen career path.
“Many teachers have inspired me during my own time as a student,” Mora said. “Miss King was so loving and kind — perfect for a first grader! In second grade, Mrs. Akins nurtured my love of poetry. Mrs. Derrick, my third-grade teacher, was gentle and engaging. In high school, Mr. Lehman encouraged my love of science and Mrs. Middlebrook cheered me on through math. Each of these teachers were so inspiring and special, and — despite it being 46 years since I graduated — I will always remember their positive impacts on my life.”
Mora went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiology from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. She later attended the University of the Incarnate Word and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
The most rewarding aspect of teaching, according to Mora, “is the excitement and the sense of accomplishment that students feel when lessons resonate and/or they gain knowledge and insight. Their new skill doesn’t even need to be academic. Learning to share with a friend, productively communicating big feelings, or even walking down the hall with safe hands and feet are wins. I’m ecstatic when my students learn and master new tasks, new concepts, and new life skills. I get to witness the personal and academic growth in my students firsthand, and the confidence that each child develops during the school year as a result is incredible. As George Evan stated: ‘Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.’It’s a privilege to know my students, understand how they learn, and to differentiate the process for each unique individual as needed.’”
Regarding the most exciting areas of teaching going forward, Mora said, “Education continues to evolve and to grow. It’s becoming more individualized and innovative through the integration of technology in the classroom, which has improved student engagement and the efficacy of the learning process. Teachers are also life-long learners, and we continue to grow throughout our careers. We are dedicated to improving student outcomes in a thriving learning environment to best prepare children for rich and fulfilling lives outside of the classroom.”
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BrownwoodNews.com will highlight one Brown County educator per day in the month of July, based on nominations received on our Facebook page, for our Teacher Feature series.