CARROLLWOOD — Tracy Moore went to summer school.
Even though she didn’t have to. Even though it was self-imposed. As a child, Moore dreamed of being a teacher, so her teachers would give her old copies of worksheets to take home over the summer.
“I’d spend hours playing ‘school’ with friends or even my toys.” Moore said. “As I grew older, I considered other paths — owning a business or becoming a veterinarian — but I always found my way back to teaching. Ultimately, I wanted to help students learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.”
All that playtime and summer school just might be why Moore, a Ben Hill Middle School math teacher, is one of five nominees for Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year.
Moore joins her fellow nominees: Davidsen Middle math teacher Melissa DeGusipe, Westchase Elementary third-grade teacher Francesa Doran, Wharton High marine science teacher Christi Atkinson and Kenly Elementary kindergarten teacher Rochelle Phillips. The Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at the Excellence in Education Awards on Jan. 22 at the Straz Center, presented by the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
Leto High history teacher Henry Bryson was the 2025 winner.
Moore, originally from Ohio, is a graduate of Wesley Chapel High and the University of South Florida. The mother of two also earned a degree in elementary education and exceptional student education from the University of West Florida and has been teaching at Ben Hill ever since.
“My favorite part of being a teacher is having fun with my students,” Moore said. “My job is to teach them algebra, help them grow into kind and respectful citizens and prepare them to navigate the world. But none of that can happen without building strong relationships — and that starts with embracing their energy and goofiness.
“Middle schoolers are still kids,” she added. “They need to laugh, enjoy themselves, and have a good time. I live for the moments when they make me laugh and pull me off task, because those are the days I go home smiling. Those are the days they leave remembering the math lesson — and the joy that came with it.”
Moore has had plenty of joy in her teaching career, already being named Teacher of the Year at Ben Hill. But she said she was genuinely shocked learning she was a finalist for the county’s top educator.
“When the district team walked into my classroom to announce I had made the top five, I was speechless,” Moore said. “There are no words to describe how much this recognition means to me; I’m not sure it has even sunk in yet. I already feel like a winner because reaching this stage is a remarkable acknowledgment of the time, effort and dedication I pour into my students every day.”
Moore said she felt incredibly honored to be nominated by her peers, that it truly is a dream come true for someone who has always wanted to be a teacher.
Looks like summer school paid off.
“Our district is blessed with phenomenal educators on every campus,” she added, “and I’m fortunate to work alongside them every day. To be recognized at this level — for the work I do both inside and outside the classroom — would truly be the highest honor.
“Winning Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year was something I never imagined possible.”