Bill Moore didn’t take the route many do in applying for a position at DeSales. In fact, he was recruited because of his background in math and engineering in 2006. “Honestly, I did not apply to work at DeSales. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, I was asked by the incumbent president to teach,” said Mr. Moore. We are grateful Mr. Moore said yes to DeSales!.
Over the last 14 years, Mr. Moore has seen the school continually evolve. “Through the collective leadership of the administration and faculty and the addition of many new resources, the school is doing a much better job of preparing students for a post-graduation field of endeavor. Our STEM certification is a huge accomplishment,” said Mr. Moore.
Fun Facts About Mr Moore
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy having students return after a couple of years and expressing to me that they now understand why I stayed on them to perform at their very best every day. My personal commitment to them was to be a mentor, not their friend.
What have you learned from the students?
They too are teachers and have something to offer every day.
What is your proudest moment at DeSales?
Playing an integral part in the football team winning the 2013 Class 2A State Football Championship. There was a sense of overwhelming excitement every day that season in and out of the building. Everyone looked forward to the next Friday night game to cheer on the Colts. Interestingly, I told one of the football parents before the first game of the season this was OUR year. I recognized that when the senior members of the team were freshmen, they exhibited the “IT” factor.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
There are two of them from John C. Maxwell’s book on the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership:
1.) Trust is the foundation of leadership.
2.) The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more and nothing less.
The other is “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you your future.”
What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?
My biggest accomplishment was completing a master’s degree at age 60. This supported the comments to my classes that continued education has no age limit.
What is your hidden talent?
I can imitate John Wayne and Disney’s Goofy (only around my family).
What would others be surprised to find out about you?
I was almost expelled from high school during my freshman year. I made friends with the wrong students.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
After this school year, I will be spending time with my wife and family. I’ve given up many summer breaks working to make DeSales a better place for our community. Besides addressing some health issues, I feel it’s time to focus more on my family.
If you could take the students on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you take them? Hawaii. For the 2018 immersion we went to the "Aloha State." The students told us they learned so much from the trip. Experiencing the Polynesian culture, visiting World War II historical sites (specifically Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Missouri), provided them an opportunity of a lifetime.
How do you think the students will remember you and your class?
I hope they remember me as someone that sincerely cared about their future and not just getting a passing grade in the class. My legacy is the students that have come into my classroom, passed me in the hall, and/or conversed with me over the last 14 years. When they succeed, then I feel like I did my part to make a difference in their life.
What were you like as a student?
I didn’t have much of a social life. I played three major sports (football, basketball, and baseball) and studied, so I didn’t have much "me" time. Once I overcame the issues of my freshman year, rather than hanging out with my classmates I spent more time in the library preparing for school.
How do you show school spirit?
I have my wife make decorative wreaths to raffle off for the sports program.