PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For three decades, Delores Moore has been educating the next generation and preparing them to fly to their next journey. 

 

She retired from her role with the Pittsfield Public Schools in June but continues to work with children in Conte Community School through her position as 18 Degree's after-school program senior site coordinator.

 

It is her commitment to her students over the last 30-plus years that has earned her the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. 

 

The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, will feature distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here. 

 

After learning about her retirement, many Conte families felt relieved to discover she would continue her role with the after-school program, maintaining her connection to the children, Moore said. 

 

"I love working with the kids, and then I also like the connection with the families. I've known a lot of these families for a long, long time. It's what I love to do," Moore said. 

 

"I mean, no one believed that I retired, but I did, but I still have this connection, and I still love that."

 

She started her career in 1990 with the state Department of Developmental Services and worked there for six years. She also worked for a girls residential school and the Pittsfield Public Schools for 26 years as a paraprofessional, primarily in special education.

 

"I've always worked in some aspect with kids and learning, giving them that social-emotional piece that they need. Life skills' moments that my girls had at the residential school. You're teaching at all times [and] you're learning at all times throughout life," Moore said. 

 

"So, if I can give that back to each kid, then that makes me feel good. I'm not going to reach all kids, but I'll reach some, and that's what counts."

 

In 2005 she began working for 18 Degrees' before and after school program, while working at Conte School, where she continues to serve as a senior site coordinator.

 

"If you have kids, you know Ms. Delores. She has been in the Conte School System for 30 years. There isn't anyone with more of a deserving heart than she. She gives all the kids she encounters a fair platform to be who they are but keep them in a structured learning environment," said one parent who nominated Moore. 

 

"Ms. Delores plans activities, trips, special science projects, gives the after-school and before-school program such an excellent role model to anyone new coming to work for the school or the after-school program. She has unbelievable patience, and is extremely loving as if these children were her own grandchildren! If there is one person who deserves to be recognized in this community it's Delores Moore, ask anyone."

 

The boundless impact Moore has had on hundreds of kids is embedded in the walls of Conte Elementary, both literally and figuratively. 

 

In summer 2023, the Conte Kids Club students created a butterfly mural and dedicated it to Moore. While teacher and artist Stephanie Quetti created the outline of the drawing; the students painted the caterpillars, bumblebees, butterflies, ladybugs, clouds, and flowers, Moore said. 

 

Today, the colorful mural sits in the hall right outside the room where Moore runs the 18 Degree Kids Club.

 

The creation of the mural also serves as a demonstration of Moore's hands-on learning style. 

 

Some of the projects included gardening activities, creating an end-of-the-year calendar, and assignments focusing on different ethnic holidays to promote understanding of diverse backgrounds. 

 

Hanging in the classroom, Moore has different flags representing different cultures. 

 

A favorite assignment was Moore's butterfly lifecycle project, during which students went out to find monarch eggs on milkweed, grown in the school's community garden, and observe its entire lifecycle from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, and finally to butterfly. 

 

Following the butterflies' transformation, the students release them and learn that they fly to Mexico, Moore said. 

 

Moore has done a number of projects to demonstrate the cycles of life, including watching plants grow from a seed and eggs to chicks, in partnership with Hancock Shaker Village. 

 

Introducing science to kids at a young age sparks their curiosity and helps the students discover the things they are interested in. And they may pass what they learn forward to others, creating a ripple-effect, Moore said. 

 

Moore aims to create an environment where kids can feel safe, comfortable, and supported. 

 

"Kids need some positivity in their lives, not just in their family, but outside their family. Most of the kids that have been here know me from the neighborhood too," she said. 

 

The elementary age is the student's stepping stone to the rest of their lives, Moore said. 

 

Moore has an amazing connection with her students and families, said Ana'lisha Ortiz, a Conte assistant teacher and 18 Degrees educator, and she goes above and beyond for them.

 

"It's amazing how the kids connect with her and how she understands these kids," Ortiz said. 

"She makes the kids feel very safe to be in this environment, very comfortable and I love that. I love how kids are comfortable, telling her anything, and they feel safe. They want to come here every day and see us and do fun activities with us and just enjoy the rest of the day with us." 

 

Some of the Kids Club students also highlighted the safe and fun atmosphere Moore helps cultivate. 

 

"She makes me feel special," said Layla Scott, second-grader. 

 

Another child  said Moore creates fun assignments and makes her feel "very good."